Croatian PM “optimistic” for Georgia’s EU candidacy, hails Gov’t’s “dedicated” reform efforts

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Wednesday expressed confidence the European Council would grant Georgia the European Union membership candidate status this week, commending the Government for its “dedicated” reform efforts. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brussels, the official also recalled his Georgian counterpart Irakli Garibashvili’s visit to Zagreb in July and a “productive” exchange with him. 

I strongly endorse Georgia's ongoing efforts, and I am optimistic that this time, a decision will be made to confer candidate status upon Georgia. I extend my congratulations to the Georgian people and the Government for their dedicated reform efforts, which have paved the way for this outcome", he said. 

The European Commission in November recommended the Council to grant Georgia the requested status, following Tbilisi’s official application for the bloc’s membership, submitted in March 2022.