The Heritage Foundation researcher Luke Coffey has responded to the European Council's decision on Thursday to grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status, while Georgia only had a European perspective.
"Georgia used to lead this group. It is a shame what is happening," Coffey tweeted on Friday.
If Georgia addresses priorities set by the European Commission in a six month term, the EU Council may grant Georgia candidate status.
The issues Georgia needs to address include easing polarization, strengthening of independence of state institutions, judiciary reform, strengthening of anti-corruption agency, implementing the commitment to “de-oligarchisation” and others.
The Georgian opposition accused the government of “losing the historic chance,” while the authorities claimed that receiving the European perspective was a “historic milestone” and pledged to do their utmost for the country to receive the candidate status.
