Danish FM pledges support for Georgia’s European integration

Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, who is on a visit to Georgia, on Monday said his country’s Government supported Georgia's European aspirations.

At a press briefing with his Georgian counterpart Ilia Darchiashvili, Rasmussen noted Georgia would receive the European Union membership candidate status in the autumn when “we see the recommendations from the European Commission”.

It is an important time for Georgia. Denmark supports Georgia's European aspirations based on human rights, the rule of law and independent democratic institutions”, Rasmussen said. 

The top Danish diplomat highlighted Georgian citizens had made it clear that “they want a European future”. 

“So, now it is up to Georgia to realise its ambitions and aspirations. I want to assure you that Denmark will support you on this path. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that my country's answer to Georgia’s candidate status is ‘yes’”, he continued. 

You will receive the candidate status in the autumn when we see the recommendations from the European Commission. It is a merit-based route to the EU. All this is related to the Copenhagen criteria [a set of evaluations for estimating a country’s eligibility to join the bloc]”, the visiting official noted.

“We want to help Georgia meet these criteria. If Georgia fulfils these criteria based on recommendations and decisions, Denmark will support candidate status”, Rasmussen concluded.