Georgian PM, EU High Representative discuss Georgia’s European perspective, “effective steps” to be taken to grant country candidate status
The security environment in the Black Sea region and the situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) were also part of the discussion, with Garibashvili noting it was “clear” that Russia has been pursuing the same policy towards Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. Photo: Government Administration.
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The European Council’s decision to grant Georgia European perspective and the “effective steps” needed to be taken by the country to receive the membership candidate status were discussed on Tuesday in a meeting between Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative in Brussels.
The sides emphasised Georgia’s “immediate” reaction to the decision of the European Council to present its strategy for fulfilling the 12-point conditions outlined by the Council for granting the country candidate status, with Garibashvili noting that the working groups had been created to address the conditions, in which “all relevant” stakeholders have been involved.
Garibashvili stressed that the European perspective, which Georgia received in June, has been a “strong motivation” and a “huge responsibility” for the country and expressed hope that the financial instruments available to the countries in the process of joining the EU would also be extended to Georgia, which would create more opportunities for its accession to the European Union.
The Head of the Government pointed out that Georgia would not be able to achieve success in the implementation process of the “ambitious reform agenda” without the “strong support and assistance” of the EU.
The PM called the current political polarisation in Georgia a “serious challenge” for the country and said the Government has been making all efforts to improve the existing political environment and resolve the issue, adding that “the involvement” of the opposition parties in the process has been also necessary.
The security environment in the Black Sea region and the situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied territories of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) were also part of the discussion, with Garibashvili noting it was “clear” that Russia has been pursuing the same policy towards Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova.
Great meeting w/????????'s HR @JosepBorrellF. Had an opportunity to discuss ????????'s ???????? membership perspective, as well as security & econ co-op. We highly appreciate the EU’s support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity & the peaceful conflict resolution process. pic.twitter.com/b687fvRG4V
— Irakli Garibashvili (@GharibashviliGe) September 6, 2022
Garibashvili expressed hope that the EU would continue to support Georgia, “especially now”, when the risks of non-recognition policy towards the occupied regions of the country have been “as high as ever” and called the support of European partners in this direction “very important”.
In his tweet after the meeting, Borrell said the EU would support Georgia on its European path.
Timely meeting with Prime Minister @Gharibashvili ahead of the EU-Georgia Association Council.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) September 6, 2022
We want to see Georgia advance on the ambitious reforms.
The EU will support Georgia on its European path. pic.twitter.com/DzwkV4ofpY
Garibashvili welcomed the appointment of Pawel Herczynski, the new EU Ambassador and expressed readiness for “close and fruitful” cooperation with him.