US Ambassador says Georgia “close” to EU candidacy, urges “unity”

United States Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan on Friday said Georgia was “very close” to the “historic” moment of obtaining the European Union membership candidate status, and added the country’s political spectrum “should unite around this goal”. 

In her end-of-year interview with Imedi TV, the diplomat stressed the bloc was “waiting for common sense” in the ongoing domestic work for obtaining the status, to support the country’s “clear choice towards Europe”. 

Pointing to the importance of peace for Ukraine amid its defence from the ongoing Russian invasion, as well as for Georgia and the South Caucasus region, Degnan voiced holiday season wishes for Georgian citizens.

“Most importantly, I want to wish you success in obtaining EU membership candidate status. You are close to it”, she added. 

Georgia applied for EU membership in March along with Ukraine and Moldova, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The country was granted the European perspective by the European Council in June, and given priority conditions related to reforms in the country’s judiciary, electoral and other areas in order to receive the membership candidate status next year.