Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili, addresses the President of the European Commission Ursulan von der Leyen with a letter on granting the EU candidate status.
The Prime Minister states that the country is ready to fulfill the obligations that accompany the candidate status and becoming a member of the European Union family. He also notes that the future of Georgia lies in the European Union, which has no alternative.
" Dear Madam President,
I would like to extend to you personally, and to the European Commission, my and my government's deepest appreciation for the recent recommendation to grant Georgia the candidate status.
Undeniably, this was a result of a very strong partnership between the EU and Georgia and of the overwhelming support of the Georgian population.
Georgia has come a long way to join a group of nations considered as future EU member states. Through dedicated and strong support from the EU, and from the European Commission in particular, my government has continued to deliver on expectations of the Georgian people. The far-reaching Association Agreement, the DCFTA, the visa-free travel, a strong security partnership, enhanced trade relations, and advanced cooperation in various sectors are the most vivid examples of our ever-growing partnership with the EU and its institutions. We were delighted that the Georgia2023 Report published by the European Commission within the Enlargement Package recognizes tireless efforts of the Georgian government to honor its commitments and progressively align with the EU rules and standards.
There is no doubt that EU membership comes with long-term commitments and responsibilities. My government remains resolute in continuing and further accelerating necessary reforms. We reaffirm our determination to deepen the cooperation with the European Commission and take steps to advance on the EU accession path.
Based on substantial progress demonstrated by Georgia and recent steps undertaken by the legislative and executive bodies, including steps addressing the European Commission's recommendations of November 8, I would like to express my firm belief that the EU will continue standing by my country by making another historic decision to grant candidate status to Georgia. This decision will put Georgia on an irreversible track towards accession negotiations to become a full-fledged member of the EU.
This is a watershed moment for Georgia's European future, and equally for the credibility of the EU's enlargement policy as a geostrategic investment in peace, stability, and prosperity in the whole of Europe. In the heavily contested region, we continue strengthening Georgia's role as a stronghold of regional peace and stability, democratic development, and cooperation; as well as a crucial link on the global connectivity map offering alternative routes for energy, freight transportation, and trade in the Black Sea. We are confident that Georgia, as a future EU member state, will play a key role for the common good of Europe.
Granting candidate status also will serve as an additional impetus for establishing lasting peace in Georgia. Let me express appreciation to the EU for the unwavering support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as well as valuable contribution and supPort to the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict. We believe that strong engagement of the EU and its member states will be critical to ensure that Georgia's occupied regions will be peacefully re-integrated and divided communities will be reconciled.
The future of Georgia lies in the EU, and there is no alternative to it. Our nation and my government expect that EU member states will take strategic and a forward-looking decision this week that will firmly anchor Georgia - a future EU member state - with the family of European democracies.
Relying on our continued cooperation to make Georgia's dream a reality, please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration", the PM said.
