PM hails ruling party’s contribution to country’s EU integration

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday highlighted the ruling Georgian Dream party’s contribution to the country’s European integration process by claiming “no one has done more in this regard over the last 30 years”. 

In his remarks with local media, Garibashvili noted the country’s European integration process would not be put in "jeopardy", following the criticism of a part of the domestic opposition and European partners who had criticised the resumption of direct flights between Georgia and Russia. 

I think you are wrongly connecting the decision related to the activation of trade and flights with [questions of] the European future of our country. This is a misinterpretation, a wrong connection. We have repeatedly said that we will not stop trade and economic [ties] with Russia, because it will harm the interests of our citizens”, Garibashvili said. 

“As for the European integration of our country, no one has done more than our Government in the last 30 years. If there is anyone who has brought any results, it is the Georgian Dream party. The [2014] Association Agreement [with the EU], visa-free travel - you can move freely in Europe for €100 - this is our merit, it is the merit of [the former PM] Bidzina Ivanishvili and his team. Nothing will be put in jeopardy. We do everything right, we are taking every step right, we explain [everything] to our European friends”, the Government head continued. 

Garibashvili added he had explained to European partners in private conversations the reasoning and motivation behind the topic of the country’s relationship with Russia.

We are not a member state of the European Union. For us to be subject to the policy of EU member states and the EU, we must be an EU member state. Today we are not a member country of the European Union. It will take years”, he concluded.