PM: Despite challenges, Georgia remains “determined in its choice to align” with EU, European values

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Wednesday told the Global Gateway Forum the country remained “determined in its choice to align” with the European Union and its values, “despite the challenges Georgia faces”.

It is evident that Georgia's journey towards the European integration and strengthening of our global partnerships is marked by unwavering commitment and resilience. [...] Our commitment to a path of democracy, rule of law and transparency remains resolute. Georgia, as a European nation and a natural, global gateway stands ready to strengthen the EU and to contribute to its better future”, Garibashvili said.

In his address as the keynote speaker at a working panel session, Garibashvili noted his Government’s “each step” aimed at transforming, modernising and developing the country and bringing it “back into the European family where it belongs”, citing the “remarkable” achievements of the ruling team, including the Association Agreement, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement and the Visa-Free regime with the EU.

The recognition of Georgia's European Perspective last June has unlocked a new chapter in our relationship with the EU. Recent surveys show nearly 90 percent of Georgians support EU membership”, the Head of the Government emphasised, stressing the “unwavering commitment” to address 12 priorities set forth for the EU candidate Status.

“With perseverance, dedication and a well-crafted plan to realise our nation's civilisational destiny of joining the EU family, we look forward to attaining the candidate status”, he said.

• Gov't has "a lot of progress" in EU candidate status work, expectations “quite positive” - PM

Garibashvili noted Georgia had made “strong progress” in completing EU recommendations, through “a rigorous, inclusive, and transparent implementation process”, adding Georgian people anticipated that the country’s performance and the current geopolitical context in the region would be “fairly evaluated”. 

In his comments to the media, the PM said obtaining the status would be “the merit of our Government and Georgian people”, pointing out the “positive dynamics” regarding the EU candidacy.