EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell stated that yesterday’s rally in central Tbilisi organized by civil organizations and NGOs ahead of the EU’s decision on Georgia’s candidate status was large-scale, dignified and peaceful. 

He refrained from commenting on political messages heard at the rally, but noted that “a lot of ordinary citizens” were present at the demonstration who wished to see Georgia in the  EU. 

In his comments for media on Tuesday, Hartzell suggested that the EU door was open for Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova 

However, he noted that the opinion about Georgia was less favorable  than about the other two.  

“This underscores the need to take firm steps forward now to demonstrate these aspirations. To do this, we have a list of things to do, from the European Commission, which states what requirements exist for Georgia to move forward,” he stated. 

The European Commission recommended a European prospective and a candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova last week, while only prospective for Georgia. 

The European Council is expected to make a final decision on the status on June 24.