The Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, on Thursday emphasized the importance of inclusiveness and cooperation between the government and opposition, along with active involvement from civil society, in achieving Georgia's progress towards EU membership. 

He highlighted the necessity of continued efforts in implementing the nine steps outlined by the EU last year, even amidst the election campaign. 

The diplomat expressed hope for agreement between the EU and Georgia on necessary reforms to “swiftly advance” to the next stage - the initiation of accession negotiations. 

“Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze will attend a very important meeting in Brussels to discuss future ways next week. I hope that both the EU  and Georgia will agree on what needs to be done so that we can very quickly move to the next stage - the start of accession negotiations”, he noted.

The Ambassador asserted while the EU and its delegation in Tbilisi “stand ready” to assist, the “primary responsibility lies with Georgia itself to undertake the required reforms for EU membership”.