German Chancellor: Germany will support Georgia’s path towards EU membership

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday said his Government would support Georgia's path towards membership in the European Union and remain a “reliable partner” in the purpose.

During his comments for the press after meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in Berlin, Scholz said his Government supported the decision to open the European perspective for Georgia from the beginning of the process.

He also emphasised Georgia being granted the EU membership candidate status in December had marked a “very important date” and added it was “very important” to ensure the criteria necessary for the eventual membership would be developed by the Georgian authorities.

In his press comments, the Chancellor also highlighted the significance of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia being held in a “free and fair” manner in October.

We are very happy that many reforms [in Georgia] are being carried out, which should continue. I mean, court reform. Reforms in the field of parliamentary control and also reforms on de-oligarchisation, which are very important”, he said.

Legal and economic reforms are important, but first of all, the rule of law and democracy. We know that joining the European Union is not only the desire of the [Georgian] Government, but also the desire of the majority of Georgian citizens", Scholz added.

He also highlighted Germany had supported Georgia since 1992 in its transformation on the way to building a “social, economic, legal state and democracy”, and added the two countries were “very close partners” in development and cooperation.

The Chancellor stressed Russia was proceeding with its “imperialist plans” which applied not only to its aggression towards Ukraine but also Georgia, which he called a “victim of Russian aggression” in 2008. The Government head further noted parts of Georgia remained under illegal Russian occupation.

We cannot and will not accept this. Germany continues to support and will support Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. We will also support EU observer missions, where Germany has the largest number of personnel. I am glad that together we condemn Russia's aggression and also defend the sanctions that the European Union has imposed”, he noted.

Scholz also told the media he welcomed the “great interest” towards the German language and academic exchange in Georgia, noting the Georgian PM’s defence of his thesis during his studies in Düsseldorf and his “excellent command” of the German language.