Georgian President hails country’s EU candidacy as “monumental milestone”
President Zourabichvili emphasised the "unwavering will" of the Georgian people, which she said had led to the "well-deserved attainment" of the status.Photo: President’s press office
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Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili on Thursday praised the European Council's decision to grant her country the European Union membership candidate status, describing it as a "monumental milestone" for Georgia and "our European family".
In a social media post shortly after the announcement, Zourabichvili emphasised the "unwavering will" of the Georgian people, which she said had led to the "well-deserved attainment" of the status.
She further noted “reunification” of Georgia with its “European family” had become “an irreversible prospect” following the bloc’s move.
The President also expressed her gratitude to EU member states for their "resolute support towards Georgia's European reunification journey" and stressed "your recognition echoes the steadfast determination of the Georgian people, a will that remains unshaken across generations."
???????????????? Today signifies a monumental milestone for Georgia and our European family! The unwavering will of the Georgian people has spoken, leading to the well-deserved attainment of candidate status.
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) December 14, 2023
Georgia's reunification with its European family is an irreversible prospect! ????????????????
Zourabichvili also responded to congratulations from presidents of Ukraine and Moldova, extending her congratulations to their nations on opening accession talks with the bloc.
In her address to the nation after obtaining the status, Zourabichvili stressed the developments would not have transpired without the “relentless dedication and a two-year arduous struggle” of the Ukrainian people against Russia.
She further explained the achievement also owed itself to the “unity of the Georgian people” and that without collective efforts, the goal would not have been achieved. “It is a shared success, and without our unity, nothing substantial could have been achieved”, she noted.
Grateful to all 27 EU member states for their resolute support towards Georgia's European reunification journey!
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) December 14, 2023
Your recognition echoes the steadfast determination of the Georgian people, a will that remains unshaken across generations ???????????????????? https://t.co/fb7tG0m1U3
Expressing her readiness to join the public celebration on Friday in central Tbilisi announced by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday, Zourabichvili encouraged everyone to join in the festivities. She remarked, “Let us all stand together tomorrow to celebrate, as it marks the celebration of Georgia”.
European Council President Charles Michel announced the candidate status for Georgia and the opening of accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova late on Thursday. He added talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina would commence "once the necessary degree of compliance with membership criteria is reached".
A heartfelt thank you to @CharlesMichel an unwavering friend of Georgia! ????????????????
— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) December 14, 2023
Your constant support, regardless of circumstances, speaks volumes. The Georgian people deeply appreciate your solidarity, reassuring them that Europe is not just listening, but standing beside them
In her social media post, Zourabichvili referred to Michel as an "unwavering friend of Georgia" and highlighted his “constant support, regardless of circumstances, speaks volumes”.
She told the EU official her country’s citizens “deeply appreciate your solidarity, reassuring them that Europe is not just listening, but standing beside them".