Against the backdrop of the suspended process of Georgia’s EU accession due to the policies of “Georgian Dream,” Irakli Kobakhidze declares that integration into the European Union remains a foreign policy priority, adding that “we will be ready to join the EU by 2030.”
As he told journalists, “what matters is that, in the meantime, processes within the EU itself also move in a different direction,” since, according to him, current trends in the Union regarding democracy, human rights, and the economy are alarming.
“You know what our foreign policy priority is. First and foremost, it is integration into the European Union. This is our declared goal, and we have also announced that by 2028 we will have fulfilled more than 90% of the obligations stemming from the Association Agreement. We will be ready by 2030 for full EU membership. What matters is that, in the meantime, processes within the EU also move in a different direction. Today, trends are alarming in terms of democracy, human rights, and the economy. Unfortunately, there is regression in all these areas. We hope that by the time we are ready in 2030 for EU membership, these trends within the EU will change, and that the democratic system across the Union will be revitalized, human rights will be better protected, and the economy will be strengthened,” said Irakli Kobakhidze.
He noted that he is ready for a healthy discussion on all topics, but that the European bureaucracy avoids such dialogue.
“We once again confirm to the European bureaucracy our readiness to hold a healthy discussion on all issues. We are not closing off any topic, but we want an open and healthy discussion on everything. As you can see, so far the European bureaucracy has avoided such healthy dialogue, since the truth is not on their side — the truth is on our side. We have adopted absolutely healthy laws, taken absolutely healthy steps, and firmly uphold the rule of law and democracy in our country. Among other things, we do not allow anyone to change the government from outside, stage revolutions, or interfere in our elections. This is how developments will continue, of course. We are open to any healthy discussion, but it must take place openly, transparently, and publicly,” GD Prime Minister stated.
For context, today the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia released a statement saying that Georgia’s path toward EU membership means becoming part of this historic peace project.
“The European Union was created for peace.
The EU was founded in the 1950s to rebuild a continent devastated by war.
Today it is the most peaceful region in the world, where former rivals work together for prosperity.
Since the establishment of the EU more than 70 years ago, there has been no war within it — this is a historic achievement of lasting peace.
Georgia’s path to EU membership is a path toward a safer and more secure future, which means becoming part of this historic peace project,” the EU Delegation to Georgia wrote.
