Former Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili: Georgia Not Ready for EU Membership
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, April 22, 2024
Former Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili recently stated that Georgia isn't ready to pursue European Union membership. Responding to questions regarding the ruling party adopting legislation similar to Russian laws and its potential impact on European integration, Gharibashvili emphasized that once Georgia is adequately prepared for European integration, any conflicting laws could be swiftly amended or replaced.
"The country has reached its maximum. The peak was last December when we became a candidate country. The next step is to join. However, we cannot become a member country today. We are not ready for membership today. Do you agree with me? There is currently no consensus that the country can become a member of the European Union today.
Moreover, there are many problems, and you know that it will take time. Today, the EU is not ready for enlargement, and it will take time. The next steps depend on many factors. By the time the country is ready, and they tell us that tomorrow you will become a member of the European Union, this law can be easily canceled, revised, changed, or a new one adopted... so don't worry," Gharibashvili said.
Lithuanian MEP Andrius Kubilius has responded to Gharibashvili's statement and has criticized the ruling party of Georgia, accusing them of attempting to implement 'Russian-style' laws.
Kubulius believes it's the ruling Georgian Dream party that's unprepared.
According to the MEP, this move contrasts sharply with the pro-European sentiment among the Georgian people, who have shown their opposition through public demonstrations.
"In December, Garibashvili celebrated Georgia's EU candidate status, calling it a victory. 4 months later, he says Georgia is not ready. Who exactly is not ready: the Georgian people or the GD party? Answer is clear-GD is pushing Russian-style laws, while pro-European people protest in the streets," Kubulius wrote on X.
