“Concrete signals” from Brussels show that Georgia’s progress is “noticeable” to European partners - FM

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili on Wednesday said the Georgian Government, during the last visit to Brussels, had received “concrete signals” that the country’s progress on the European integration path was “noticeable” to its European partners.

In an interview with Imedi channel, Darchiashvili noted the Government was “optimistic” that the country would get the EU membership candidate status, as it had taken “concrete steps” and put “enormous efforts” in European integration process that produced “tangible results” to the country in this regard.

• Georgian FM highlights “full support” of partners for country’s European, Euro-Atlantic integration

This optimism is also proceeding from the coordination we [Georgian Government] have in a bilateral format, very close communication, both with Brussels and the EU member states. We have a very dynamic agenda, a lot of guests arrive in Georgia, including foreign ministers of EU member states”, the Minister emphasised.

Darchiashvili said the European Commission would orally present interim information to the Council on Georgia’s progress this spring and pointed out an official report would be submitted to the Council of the EU in October. “Finally, the Council will make a decision [on granting Georgia the EU candidate country status] regarding the country”.

• FM: Georgia’s Progress Report under EU Enlargement Pack will be “support mechanism” for Commission’s decision on country

The Georgian official also thanked “all public officials” for their efforts in preparing a “high-quality” report on Georgia’s progress under the EU enlargement package, at the request of the European Commission. Darchiashvili handed over the report to Pawel Herczynski, the EU Ambassador in the country earlier today.