Georgian, Ukrainian and Moldovan PMs Hold High-Level Meetings in Brussels
By Khatia Bzhalava
Wednesday, December 1
A Georgian delegation led by Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili held a top-level meeting in Brussels yesterday. Within the framework of the visit, Garibashvili together with his Ukrainian and Moldovan counterparts, Denys Shmyhal and Natalia Gavrilita met with European Council President Charles Michel, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Parliament President David Sassoli.
The PMs of the Associated Trio (Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova) discussed the key directions and expectations for the upcoming December 15 Eastern Partnership Summit. They expressed their desire to have access to the common EU economic space, also intensifying sectoral cooperation, to ensure the physical integration of the Associated Trio Countries into the EU.
“Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova are united by European aspirations and shared values to advance political, economic, and sectoral integration with the EU,” Garibashvili said.
The Associated Trio was hosted by President of the European Council Charles Michel at a working dinner yesterday, where the sides discussed the important directions in terms of deeper cooperation between the three countries and the EU. It was also stressed that the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit should offer the partner states new opportunities on the path toward further EU integration.
According to the Government Administration of Georgia, PM Garibashvili underlined the country’s goal to apply for full EU membership in 2024. According to him, the summit's final declaration needs to reflect Georgia's European choice and European aspirations, also firm support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also noted that one of the priority directions for Georgia is transport and communications ties to the EU.
Georgian, Ukrainian, and Moldovan PMs also met with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The parties discussed sectoral integration implying bringing various sectoral policies closer to EU standards and norms, especially in the fields of environmental protection and climate, digital transformation, transport, and energy. According to the government’s press service, the Associated Trio proposed to the European Commission President to organize regular ministerial meetings between the sectoral institutions of the three countries, with participation from European Commissioners.
As part of their visit to Brussels, the PMs also met with President of the European Parliament David-Maria Sassoli and emphasized the role of the European Parliament's support for the establishment of the Associated Trio format. Sassoli stated that European Parliament will continue supporting the partner countries on the path to European Integration and in the process of implementing democratic and economic reforms. The meeting focused on the countries' common challenges such as occupation, and hybrid threats.
