Paweł Herczyński, the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, on Friday emphasized the critical need for Georgia to expedite its reform efforts in preparation for the upcoming European Council meeting to achieve the opening of accession talks with the bloc, after obtaining the EU candidacy last year. 

The diplomat’s press comments came amid the meeting of the 27 leaders of the European Union currently underway in Brussels, with discussions encompassing a wide array of topics, prominently featuring expansion and enlargement.

The ambassador underscored the significance of Georgia's progress, urging the nation to utilize the time leading up to the next European Council meeting effectively, following the comments by Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili that “Georgia, which is a leader in absolutely all parameters compared to Ukraine, Moldova and Bosnia-Herzegovina, is oppressed, this injustice on the part of the EU, is very sad".

Acknowledging the ongoing responsibilities within the EU, Herczyński expressed the Union's seriousness regarding enlargement and extending invitations to new members. Notably, he highlighted positive developments for Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, with the latter set to commence accession talks.

Herczyński stressed that Georgia “should strengthen its reforms and complete the nine steps” outlined by the European Commission to progress further. He emphasized that time was of the essence and called for concerted efforts to ensure tangible progress in the coming months.

The reform agenda includes combating disinformation against EU values, aligning with the EU's common foreign and security policy, mitigating political polarization, completing judicial reform, enhancing parliamentary oversight, implementing an action plan for de-oligarchization, and safeguarding human rights.

The Ambassador expressed satisfaction with Bosnia-Herzegovina's recent progress, signaling positive acknowledgment from EU leaders. He expressed hope that Georgia would similarly seize the opportunity before the next European Council meeting to advance its accession negotiations.

Responding to queries about the necessity of a coalition government in Georgia, Herchinsky emphasized that it was ultimately up to the voters to decide. He advocated for a free and fair electoral campaign, urging all political parties to have an equal opportunity to present their programs.

He also reaffirmed the EU's commitment to assisting Georgia in its journey towards EU membership.