“Positive decision” expected on Georgia’s EU candidacy important “not only for country but region” - Parliament official

Maka Botchorishvili, the Chair of the Georgian Parliament's European Union Integration Committee, on Sunday, said she expected “a positive decision” on the country’s European Union candidate status, as Georgia “has made every effort” to fulfil the 12 priorities outlined by the bloc for granting its status.

Botchorishvili noted Georgia’s EU candidacy was important “not only for Georgia but also in general, for the region and [the existing] geopolitical situation”.

• European Council adopts document reaffirming support to Georgia on European path - foreign office

Commenting on the final conclusion of the European Council meeting of October 26-27, which said the bloc would “continue to work closely with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, and support their reform efforts on their European paths”, Botchorishvili said it confirmed that all EU member states supported the country’s integration into the bloc.

This is an important message, considering that in December we are waiting for the meeting of the EU member states, which will once again discuss the issue of Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova. This decision, the document in a way confirms their position once again, which, I hope, will be reflected in the subsequent decision on granting candidate status [to Georgia] in December”.

Georgia's progress in implementing the EU recommendations will be assessed by the European Commission in November and the decision on the country’s candidacy will be announced in December.