Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze: Refusal to Open EU Negotiations Would Be Incomprehensible
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, July 26, 2024
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has expressed strong concerns that it would be "incomprehensible" if the European Union were to refuse opening membership negotiations with Georgia. Kobakhidze stated that European integration is a key objective not only for the Georgian government but also for the Georgian people, as written in the country's constitution.
Kobakhidze highlighted that European integration is a foreign policy priority for Georgia, reflecting broad public support. He recalled similar setbacks Georgia faced in the past, particularly the denial of candidate status in June 2022.
The Prime Minister drew parallels between past and present challenges, pointing out that despite criticism and perceived injustices, Georgia's perseverance led to obtaining candidate status.
"Even when we were denied candidate status in 2022, we continued to fight, and eventually, we succeeded. Similarly, if we stand united now, I am confident that we can move forward with our European integration goals," Kobakhidze said.
He emphasized that if the EU were to refuse negotiations now, it would be seen as a grave mistake, similar to the past decision to deny Georgia's candidate status. Kobakhidze urged that the refusal to open negotiations would contradict the narrative that any step taken by the EU would be in support of the Georgian people rather than the government. He stressed that the collective effort and unity of the Georgian people are essential to advancing the country's integration into the European Union.
