Head of the European Union mission: Georgia is not ready to enter EU
By Tatia Megeneishvili
Wednesday, May 6
Head of the European Union (EU) mission to Georgia, Janos Herman, said that joining the EU is still a hypothetical issue for Georgia. He spoke about Georgia’s European perspective while visiting Ilia State University on May 5.
When asked about when exactly Georgia will be able to enter EU, Herman said that he has no answer on the question.
“Georgia needs to move forward and fulfill all the obligations under the Association Agreement. Only after that the Georgian people will have the right to ask the question when Georgia will become a member of EU,” stressed Herman.
According to Herman, many prerequisites are needed to be completed before becoming the member.
“It will take (Georgia) time and intensive work to finally become a member of EU,” said Herman.
Herman said that Georgia’s immediate integration with the EU will seriously damage the country’s economy.
“When Georgia enters EU, companies from the EU will enter Georgia’s market. Currently this country is unprepared for integration into the EU’s internal market. Georgia should have many effective domestic players in order to be ready for the intense competition. It is very hard,” stated Herman.
According to Herman, the economic part of the Association Agreement necessitates preparation for economic integration.
Herman read a lecture within the frames of EU Week and after held discussions about several different issues.
