EU Ambassador to Georgia: Voice of Georgian people is “clearly heard” in European Union

The voice of the people of Georgia is “clearly heard” in the European Union, Paweł Herczyński, the Ambassador of the European Union to the country, on Friday told the public at the event celebrating the European Council’s decision to grant the country the EU candidate status.

In his speech at the event, being held in Tbilisi at the initiative of the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Herczyński highlighted the “historic day” for the country as 27 EU member states had “unanimously” decided to grant the EU candidacy to Georgia. 

The EU Ambassador congratulated political leaders, civil servants, civil society, and media on receiving the status, and first and foremost, the people of Georgia, who “devotedly” supported the EU integration. 

Today's decision is an appreciation of the efforts made by each and every one of you. It is definitely a big step forward, but the final goal is the EU membership. Therefore, now is the time for political leaders to fulfil the will of the people and implement reforms quickly”, he stressed.

Herczyński also cited the words “Strength is in Unity” written on Georgia’s coat of arms, pointing out his main message “Now is the time to unite for the European future. You are all making Georgia’s modern history”. The bloc’s membership will bring the country “peace, stability and economic prosperity”, and in turn, Georgia’s “unique culture and traditions will enrich diversity of the EU”, he added.

The EU Ambassador also emphasised it was an “emotional day” for him and his team and he was happy to celebrate this day together with Georgian people.