The European Union Commission has revealed that its membership application is a serious commitment and that candidate status is not something that countries are entitled to rather it needs to be earned through serious reforms.
EU High Representative, Joseph Borell who made this disclosure when visited Georgia on Thursday added that the Union is committed to supporting Georgia on its path towards European Union membership.
According to him, “This is a crucial time for your future because in a few weeks, the European Union will consider next steps in Georgia’s accession [path] to the European Union and, for the first time, the report on Georgia’s progress as an enlargement country.
“But I have to say also that the European Union application is a serious commitment [and] that candidate status is not something that countries are entitled to. It needs to be earned. It needs to be earned through serious reforms and adherence to the European Union’s values”, Borell said.
EU High Representative noted that there is still quite a bit of work to be done. “In Georgia’s case, these are the 12 priorities that need to be fulfilled, as set out in European Commission’s Opinion. Delivering on these 12 priorities, is not to please Brussels.
“It is not to make happy people in Brussels or the Member States of the European Union. Ultimately, it is to improve the lives of the Georgian citizens, living up to overwhelming European aspirations of the Georgian people.
“I see a lot of European flags on the streets of this city. I know that 80% of Georgian people support Georgia’s path to be a member of the European Union. So let me express my appreciation for all those who stand up for a European future for Georgia”, EU Chief said.
He also noted that accession is a national task that all actors need to be working together constructively and united. “Unity is more important than ever. During my visit, I will meet the President [Salome Zourabichvili], the Prime Minister [Irakli Garibashvili] Foreign Minister [Ilia Darchiashvili] the Parliament, as well as the civil society.
“We will discuss the progress so far and the work that still needs to be done, as I said at the beginning. Georgia should use the short remaining time to address the key reform requirements. The short remaining time to address the key requirements.
“Our commitment to Georgia – the European Union’s commitment to Georgia – is also manifested through our financial support. We are largest provider of bilateral assistance with almost €340 million during the period 2021-2024. And through our Economic, Investment Plan, €1.3 billion in investments is being leveraged.
Borell recognised the contribution that Georgia has provided to the Union Common Security and Defence policies and efforts to strengthen the Georgian defence forces via the European Peace Facility (EPF) that will provide about €60 million to increase the resilience and capacity of Georgia’s army.
