Pawel Herczynski, the European Union Ambassador to Georgia,on Wednesday expressed optimism regarding Georgia's progress towards EU membership during a recent statement.

"Last December marked a historic milestone when the 27 member states of the European Union unanimously granted Georgia the status of a candidate for EU membership. This was a moment of celebration and a crucial step forward as Georgia officially became a candidate country. However, achieving full membership involves several stages, with the next crucial step being the commencement of [accession] negotiations. We are hopeful to swiftly progress to this stage," Herczynski said.

He emphasized the importance of Georgia's commitment to implementing the nine conditions outlined for EU integration,  noting related work had already been launched. The diplomat stressed the European Commission was currently working on the upcoming enlargement report, engaging with various stakeholders including civil society and business representatives.

"We aim for sufficient progress on these nine steps by October, when the new enlargement report will be drafted. A positive recommendation from the European Commission and unanimous support from all 27 EU member states are essential for opening accession negotiations. Despite the upcoming elections in Georgia [in October], it's crucial for all political leaders to prioritize advancing these steps. This requires inclusivity and constructive collaboration, with the government engaging with the opposition and active involvement of civil society," Herczynski highlighted.

He expressed hope for a national consensus amidst the election campaign, emphasizing the collective commitment towards European integration.