Georgian PM says EU refusing to open accession talks would be “incomprehensible”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said it would be “incomprehensible” if the European Union refused to open accession talks to the country on the backdrop of recent complications in relationships between the sides.

In his interview with Rustavi 2 TV channel Kobakhidze said European integration was “one of the main goals not only of the Government, but also of citizens” and a “foreign policy priority reflected in the constitution”.

He further added “if we take a dignified stance together with the Georgian people, we will receive the result we want for our country, which is the opening of the accession talks”.

Everything will be settled exactly the same way as we received the [EU membership] candidate status in December 2023. Even then, there were many injustices, very harsh statements [from EU bodies]. We remind you that the European Parliament approved three different unfair resolutions [...] [demanding] release of criminals [from domestic opposition] and punishment of Bidzina Ivanishvili [the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party]”, Kobakhidze said.

“European integration is one of the main goals not only of the Government, but also of citizens - a foreign policy priority, which is reflected in our constitution - and we act in accordance with the will of the Georgian citizens, the majority of whom support the European integration of Georgia”, he continued.

Kobakhidze also highlighted that Moldova, a Commonwealth of Independent States member state and “one of the most corrupt European countries with very weak institutions”, had been granted the candidate status in 2022, while Georgia was not.

The PM vowed “proper development” of the country would continue, and further pointed out that “we will move forward in the direction of European integration, [and] in particular, the accession talks with Georgia will be opened”.