French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna Expresses Support for Georgia's Path to EU Membership
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, May 1, 2023
During a joint press conference with Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilia Darchiashvili, French Minister of Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna expressed support for Georgia's path towards the European Union.
Colonna noted the Georgian people's demonstrated connection and attachment to the EU and pledged to assist in accelerating the country's legislative efforts. While acknowledging that much work remains to be done, Colonna and other partners are committed to supporting Georgia on this road.
"I came to convey a message of support for Georgia. We would like to share with you our attitude towards your sovereignty and territorial integrity through this visit and the relationship between the two countries. We want Russia to end the war, the violation of international norms, which has been going on for 14 months now, and Georgia knows it very well, because it is still paying the price for the policy that did not start on February 24, 2022. It started here in 2008. Georgia can count on France's solidarity. I have told this to the minister many times," Colonna said.
Catherine Colonna also discussed the issue of Georgia's candidacy for EU membership. Colonna acknowledged the strong desire of the Georgian people to join the EU and recognized the numerous pro-European demonstrations that have taken place in the country. She highlighted that 85% of Georgians are in favor of EU membership, which she views as a promising sign for the country's future.
Colonna also noted that Georgia's future is in Europe, as was unanimously recognized in June. She emphasized that the path to EU membership is complex and requires the fulfillment of 12 priorities and the implementation of reforms that uphold European values such as freedom, protection of institutions, pluralism, and freedom of speech. She assured Georgia of France's commitment to help the country on this path and to assist with the necessary steps towards gaining EU membership.
