German Minister of European Affairs Expresses Concerns over Georgia's Incomplete Reforms
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, June 23, 2023
According to the German Minister of State for European Affairs, Anna Lührmann, based on the current assessment of the European Commission, the Georgian government is not properly implementing the reforms required by the European Commission for obtaining candidate status. Anna Lührmann made these remarks prior to the informal meeting of the European Union Council in Sweden, where the European Commission presented an interim report on the reforms carried out by Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova.
Lührmann emphasized that these reforms are not only crucial for EU integration but also for establishing a freer country that upholds the rule of law. According to the German Minister, the challenges regarding the rule of law, judicial system reforms, and treatment of civil society need to be addressed. Nonetheless, Germany maintains its support for Georgia's European integration aspirations.
"Georgia's place is clearly in Europe, and I have met many Georgians who are very eager for Georgia to become a member of the European Union.
Unfortunately, based on what we have heard from the European Commission so far, the government has not been able to adequately meet the existing expectations. Reforms are not being implemented as they should be.
It is evident that the citizens of Georgia demand that the authorities fulfill these priorities not only for EU integration but also because it will make Georgia a freer country where the rule of law is valued.
As per our knowledge from the European Commission, and what we will hear in more detail today, many challenges persist in terms of the rule of law and judicial system reforms. We will also discuss the treatment of civil society and obtain more specific information.
However, Germany's position is clear: we want to see Georgia as a part of the European Union, and we support everyone in Georgia who desires European integration," stated Lührmann.
