Georgian PM vows commitment to Constitution article prioritising EU integration

Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday claimed his Government's “steadfast commitment” to Article 78 of the country’s Constitution, which prioritises its Euro-Atlantic integration, following the Government's move on Thursday to delay the bloc accession talks until 2028. 

Responding to allegations by the domestic civil sector and the opposition over the Government's alleged violation of the article through its decision, the PM claimed a “practical roadmap” for the process had been laid out in the 2014-signed Association Agreement and Free Trade deal, which he claimed served as the “primary guidelines” for the country’s EU aspirations. 

Kobakhidze said despite the announced halt in the accession talks, his Government planned to conduct reforms outlined in both documents to ensure the country’s EU integration by 2030. 

Article 78 requires us to act in accordance with these obligations and take all necessary practical steps. I want to reiterate that the roadmap for these steps is outlined only in the Association agenda and the Free Trade Agreement”, he said. 

Protests are ongoing in capital Tbilisi against the Government’s decision, with demonstrators demanding new parliamentary elections.