Tbilisi, 14 June 2023 (TDI): The President of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, met Charles Michel, the President of the European Council, during his visit to Brussels.
The steps towards Georgia’s accession to the European Union were the centrality of the discussion between the two parties. Irakli Garibashvili informed the President of the European Council about Georgia’s attempts to fulfilling the European Union’s twelve (12) priorities.
He noted that in these steps, the Georgian authorities maintain continuous consultations not only with the European Union and its member states but also with the Venice Commission as well as the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of granting Georgia the European Union membership candidate status at the end of this year.
Moreso, Irakli Garibashvili pointed out that a significant portion of the recommendations for the European Union membership has been fulfilled by Georgia; hence, Georgia deserves the membership status at the end of 2023, he noted.
According to the Prime Minister, the Association Agreement, visa-free travel, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA) with the European Union, and the previously granted European perspective evidence Georgia’s commitment toward European integration.
In 2014 Georgia signed association agreements with the European Union to encourage political collaboration and economic integration. Meanwhile, more than 80% of Georgians want European Union membership.
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Consequently, Georgia submitted its membership application to the European Union in 2022. However, this request was deferred by the EU holding that until certain conditions are fulfilled before it can grant Georgia the membership status.
Territorial security, history, religion, culture, and key European values all serve as the principal basis for Georgia’s aspiration to join the European Union.
During the meeting, the parties also discussed the ongoing armed conflict in Ukraine and its impact on the region’s security environment.
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