French FM: France “clearly stating” that Georgia's future is European

The French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna on Thursday said her country’s Government was “clearly stating” that “Georgia's future is European”, in remarks ahead of a meeting of European Union member states’ foreign ministers in Stockholm.

Colonna made the comment in the run-up to the event where European Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi will make an oral presentation on the reforms implemented by Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. 

The French Minister noted her Government would help Georgia implement the necessary reforms to join the European Union.

France very clearly states that the future of Georgia is European, and we see every day how much the Georgian people want it. We will help Georgia implement the necessary reforms to join the European Union”, the top French diplomat said.

In his comments ahead of the meeting, Peter Mišík, the State Secretary of Slovakia, noted that “if Georgia meets the criteria, Georgia should receive the membership candidate status”.

We help Georgia meet the criteria. As far as we know, three criteria out of 12 have been fulfilled. So there is work to be done. When the criteria are met, you can count on our support. We see the future of Georgia in the European Union”, Mišík said.

Finland's Minister of European Affairs Anders Adlercreutz stressed the country’s position regarding the European Union enlargement was “positive”, and noted Georgia must meet the criteria that had been set by the European Commission.