Georgian PM, European Commission President discuss EU integration, security in region

The steps taken by Georgia for fulfilling the European Union’s 12-point conditions for granting the country the membership candidate status and the security environment in the Black Sea region were discussed on Saturday by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission.

In a meeting held on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich Security Conference, Garibashvili provided “detailed information” to von der Leyen on the implementation process of the EU conditions, and noted the most part of the recommendations had been already fully implemented and the remaining legislative acts had been sent to the Venice Commission for a conclusion.

The analytical report on Georgia published recently by the European Commission, which reflects the country’s progress in terms of compatibility of its national legislation with the EU laws, was also highlighted by the officials, the Government Administration said.

In his tweet, Garibashvili stressed that with a “strong reform agenda”, Georgia deserved the candidate status.

Very important meeting w/@vonderleyen. Outlined robust actions and efficient reforms of ???????? on the way to ???????? integration. We hope for @EU_Commission's support to advance the ????????-???????? relations to the next level! With strong reform agenda ???????? deserves candidate status. pic.twitter.com/M7a145H8SD

— Irakli Garibashvili (@GharibashviliGe) February 18, 2023

The conversation also touched on the significance of the Georgia-initiated Black Sea Submarine Electricity Cable project, with the parties noting that the project would promote the development of the renewable energy sector and increase transit and trade opportunities between the EU and the South Caucasus region.

• European Commission President: Black Sea submarine cable “window of opportunity”  to turn Georgia into electricity hub

Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and its influence on Georgia, as well as on the Black Sea region and the world in general, were also emphasised during the meeting.

Good opportunity to discuss key issues on ???????????????? agenda w/ @GharibashviliGe

Ready to continue working w/ Georgia to make progress on 12 steps in Commission Opinion of June 2022

And make the most of the Economic Investment Plan especially to develop Black Sea connectivity projects pic.twitter.com/g4E6sU3RzZ

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) February 18, 2023

Garibashvili expressed hope that the Commission, under the leadership of von der Leyen, would continue to support Georgia and make another “historic decision” to grant the country the “well-deserved” membership candidate status.