Draft resolution on Georgia’s EU membership draws contrasting assessments from political establishment

A draft resolution in support of an accelerated process of Georgia’s European Union integration has drawn contrasting reactions from different sections of the country’s political establishment, after its proposal by the Committee on European Integration of the Georgian Parliament on Wednesday.

Maka Bochorishvili, the Committee Chairwoman, said the initiative reflected “[t]he stated goal” of the country’s government, Parliament and citizens, adding “[t]his is what we work for every day” in reference to the country’s EU aspirations.

In contrast, Salome Samadashvili, a member of Lelo opposition party, criticised the resolution. While confirming she would welcome its passing by the parliament, she said the resolution alone would not be enough to use a “window of opportunity” for Georgia and its EU integration - in reference to the reactivation of the relevance of the question on the backdrop of Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine.

• Parliamentary committee prepares draft resolution on Georgia's EU integration

Gia Volski, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, sad the draft was about “Georgia’s interests”, as reflected in resolutions of European Parliamentary Assemblies,” Volski added he thought the resolution could be discussed in an expedited manner, “because the situation is really difficult”.

The resolution calls on EU member states and institutions to take all necessary steps to accelerate Georgia's accession to the Union, and comes on the backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.