Georgia's Progress on EU Integration Discussed in Meeting between Georgian Prime Minister and European Council President
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
During his visit to Brussels, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, held a meeting with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. The main focus of their discussion was the progress made by Georgia towards joining the European Union. Gharibashvili updated Michel on the efforts made by his government to fulfill the 12 priorities of the European Commission, emphasizing the ongoing consultations with EU institutions, member states, as well as the Venice Commission and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE / ODIHR).
The PM emphasized the need for Georgia to be granted candidate status for EU membership by the end of the year.
Gharibashvili stated that the majority of the recommendations have already been implemented and, therefore, Georgia deserves to be granted candidate status by the end of the year based on the progress made.
The Minister highlighted that the current government has made significant progress in Georgia's path towards European integration, including the signing of an association agreement, a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement with the European Union, visa-free travel, and the granting of a European perspective.
The parties also discussed the current conflict in Ukraine and its implications for the overall security situation in the region.
President of the European Council, Charles Michel, took to Twitter to respond to his meeting with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili, in Brussels. In his tweet, Michel affirmed the European Union's unwavering support for Georgia's journey towards European integration, highlighting the historic opportunity that the European perspective represents for the Georgian people.
"The EU stands by you every step of the way and remains firmly committed to this European perspective and the historic opportunity it represents for the people of Georgia," Michel wrote.
According to Michel, the future of Georgia is in the European Union.
"Georgia's future is in the EU. To advance on the European path, now more than ever, implementation of key priorities is crucial.
In my meeting with PM, I stressed the need to deepen reforms on the judiciary, rule of law and freedom of the press," Michel wrote.
