Chairman of Georgian Dream Party, Irakli Kobakhidze, Discusses Charles Michel's Statement on EU Expansion
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Irakli Kobakhidze, chairman of the Georgian Dream party, addressed journalists regarding the statement made by Charles Michel, the President of the European Council. According to Kobakhidze, Michel's statement exhibited dual aspects-both positive and negative-and bore a general tone, necessitating further clarification regarding the specific country poised for expansion by 2030.
"This statement had both positive and negative sides. In general, it was important to specify a particular date or year. However, the statement was somewhat vague, particularly concerning the year 2030 and its relevance. There are candidate countries within the European Union, which were granted candidate status 18 or 12 years ago. When a country became a candidate nearly two decades ago and was promised membership in the European Union within 7 years, it naturally does not create the grounds for great optimism. Hopefully, in the future, it will be explicitly indicated that 2030 holds significance for all countries with candidate status or those slated to receive it in the near future," explained Kobakhidze.
He further shared that every effort will be made to secure candidate status for Georgia. He emphasized that obvious progress has been made in implementing the 12 points.
"Our government will maintain transparency with the European Union throughout the process, ensuring that all necessary groundwork is prepared for us to be granted candidate status by December. Naturally, the decision will carry political weight. Let's observe the decision that is reached. We hold reasons for optimism since all the prerequisites for obtaining candidate status are in place," he affirmed.
In his speech at the international strategic forum held in Slovenia on August 28, Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, declared that the expansion of the European Union is no longer a distant dream-it is imminent and preparations should be made accordingly.
Irakli Kobakhidze, chairman of the Georgian Dream party, spoke to journalists about the statement of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. According to him, Michel's statement was general and it should be clarified for which country's expansion is planned by 2030.
"This statement had positive and negative sides. In general, it was important to name a specific date, year, however, this statement was a bit general, and to whom it concerns the year 2030, this is interesting. There are candidate countries of the European Union, which received the candidate status, for example, 18, 12 years ago, there are such countries. When a country becomes a candidate 18 years ago and there is a promise to it that it can become a member of the European Union in 7 years, of course, this does not give grounds for great optimism. Hopefully, in the future, it will be specified that 2030 is a relevant date for all countries that have candidate status, or that will receive candidate status in the near future," said Kobakhidze.
According to him, they will do everything to get Georgia candidate status. He says the country has made tangible progress in implementing the 12 points.
"Our government will be transparent before the European Union from the beginning to the end, all grounds will be ready for us to be granted candidate status in December. Of course, the decision will be political. Let's see what decision they will make. We have reason for optimism because everything is ready to get candidate status," he said.
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, in his speech at the international strategic forum held in Slovenia on August 28, said that the expansion of the European Union is no longer a dream and he should be ready for it.
