Prepared by Messenger Staff
Kobakhidze: Georgia Could Become Increasingly Important to Europe
Georgia has the potential to play a major role in Europe's political and strategic architecture, with its importance likely to grow further in the coming years, Georgian Dream Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in Dublin.
Speaking at a discussion on Georgia's role in European architecture, hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs, Kobakhidze said the country remained committed to strengthening its relations with European states and the European Union, despite ongoing difficulties in the EU integration process.
He recalled that Georgia applied for EU candidate status in March 2022 but received a negative decision from the European Council in June of that year. The country was eventually granted candidate status, but the European Commission subsequently refused to open accession negotiations. In June 2024, it also decided to suspend political dialogue with Georgia.
Kobakhidze described the current state of relations as unsatisfactory, saying the government was keen to see a change. At the same time, he stressed that cooperation between Georgia and the EU must be built on shared values.
"We are very keen to see this situation change. Nevertheless, I must reiterate that it is of the utmost importance for cooperation between the two sides to be grounded in shared values," said Kobakhidze.
Berset: Council of Europe Is Closely Monitoring Developments in Georgia
Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset said the organisation is closely monitoring developments in Georgia, speaking ahead of the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Dublin.
"As you know, I have always been open to dialogue with all member states, including, of course, Georgia," Berset said, adding the two sides have been in contact recently. "It is important to have transparent and sincere discussions; naturally, these will not always take place in the public eye."
He said he is following the unfolding events in Georgia with close attention, and that he is aware of the proceedings underway at the Constitutional Court, where the case seeking to ban five opposition parties is being heard. "We are monitoring the situation," he said.
Berset stressed that membership in the Council of Europe "entails a commitment to its values." All 46 member states, he noted, have made commitments regarding the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Court of Human Rights.
The Council also has "an operational framework within which we can develop our relations and cooperation," he said. "I believe we must reaffirm this, continue our dialogue, and discuss together the steps we will take moving forward, including with Georgia."
