Olivér Várhelyi Says Georgia Needs to Carry Out Reforms, Meet EU Standards
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi stated at the debate on the issue of Georgia held in the European Parliament that the country must meet certain standards, for which it is necessary to carry out relevant reforms.
As Várhelyi said, the desire of the majority of the Georgian people is to become a member of the European Union, and it is important for the government to take effective steps on this path.
"All over the country, women and men took to the streets and waved the EU flag to show Georgia's aspiration to join the EU. After these demonstrations, the ruling party announced that it would withdraw the law, which was being voted on the next day. This is a really positive sign, and I want to tell you, dear members, that Georgians have a future in the European Union.
The European perspective given to the country determines the relationship between the European Union and Georgia, and within the framework of the Association Agreement, the cooperation is becoming closer.
Georgia must meet specific standards, for which it is necessary to carry out relevant reforms. It is necessary to take concrete steps with the help of the European Union. The majority of the population of Georgia expresses their desire to become a member of the European Union, and now is the time to take effective steps.
A number of important steps have been taken in the reform process, and now it is necessary to work on them, which will strengthen state institutions, bring them closer to the EU standards, which is the main priority in the direction of human rights," Várhelyi said.
He also spoke about Mikheil Saakashvili's health condition and noted that it is the obligation of the Georgian government to fully guarantee Saakashvili's rights as a prisoner and former president of the country.
"Last year, the Parliament passed a resolution on the health of Mikheil Saakashvili. We had a meeting with the Minister of Justice and our message was clear - the Georgian government is obliged to fully guarantee the protection of Saakashvili's rights as a person in prison, as well as the former president, and the European Union is ready to engage in various in efforts to ensure the health of the former president. The European Union, of course, is closely cooperating throughout this process with Georgians, the Georgian people, and this is an important point for the whole country to unite around a common goal, which means becoming a member of the European Union, European values," said Várhelyi.
