Joseph Borrell Emphasizes Serious Reforms as Crucial for Georgia's EU Candidacy During His First Official Visit to Tbilisi
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, September 8, 2023
During his first official visit to Georgia, Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, held a press conference during which he stated that the European Union's door remains open to Georgia. However, he emphasized that substantial effort is required on this journey, and there is still a considerable amount of work that needs to be accomplished in Georgia. According to him, EU membership is a serious commitment, and candidate status is not automatically granted; it must be earned through 'serious reforms'.
Regarding the 12 priorities, Borrell emphasized that in Georgia's case, the efforts to fulfill these 12 priorities are not directed at pleasing Brussels or satisfying EU member states. Instead, the ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Georgia.
The EU High Representative also emphasized the importance of unity on the journey towards the EU, stating, "All actors need to work together constructively and remain united; unity is more important than ever."
According to Borrell, he observed numerous European Union flags in Tbilisi and acknowledged that 80% of the country's population desires to join the European Union. Therefore, he expressed his gratitude to those individuals who are actively safeguarding Georgia's European future.
"Because in a few weeks, the EU will consider the next steps in Georgia's accession to the EU path, and for the first time, the important Georgia progress as an enlargement country I want to be very clear in that important moment, the EU door is open to Georgia and EU is committed to support Georgia on its path towards EU membership.
To be frank, there is still quite a bit of work to be done. In Georgia's case, these are the 12 priorities that need to be fulfilled, as set out in European Commission opinion, and the hard work delivering on these 12 priorities is not to please Brussels, it's not to make people happy in Brussels, or to member states of the EU, ultimately, is to improve the lives of the Georgian citizens, living up to the overwhelming EU aspirations of the Georgia people. I see a lot of EU flags on the streets of this city and you know that 80% of the Georgian people support being a member of the EU.
Let me express my appreciation to all those who stand up for the European future for Georgia, Accession is a national task, all actors need to work together constructively, and united, unity is more important than ever," the EU High Representative stated.
As part of his first official visit to Georgia, he will discuss Georgia's progress towards European integration and broader foreign policy and regional issues. During the visit, Joseph Borell will meet with the President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, and also with the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Gharibashvili. A joint press conference will be held after the meeting with Gharibashvili.
Borrell will also hold a meeting with Georgia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, and meetings with all political parties represented in the Georgian parliament are scheduled.
