The process of Georgia’s accession to the European Union is currently suspended, EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski said on Tuesday. He expressed hope that following the upcoming elections in October, the newly formed government would recommit to serious efforts towards EU integration.
“On June 27, EU leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, made several significant decisions in Brussels. They agreed on the future strategic agenda of the EU and the identity of its future leaders. They also reaffirmed our firm commitment to the defense of Ukraine. However, they also agreed to suspend the process of Georgia’s EU accession, as clearly stated in the conclusions of the European Council,” Herczynski said.
The ambassador emphasized that the intentions of Georgia’s current government was unclear to EU leaders and the Foreign Influence Transparency law represented a significant setback, and anti-Western, anti-European rhetoric was entirely incompatible with the declared goal of joining the EU.
“This suspension is truly disappointing because, at the same time, we are making rapid progress with other candidate countries. The European Union has already started accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. I sincerely hope that after the elections in Georgia, the newly formed government, whatever it may be, will again start serious work towards EU integration,” Herczynski added.He also mentioned that in October, EU leaders would make a decision on the next steps in December.
“In October, the enlargement report for all candidate countries will be published, and EU leaders will decide on the next steps in December. However, given the current situation, I cannot imagine that Georgia will move forward this year. The leaders have decided to suspend Georgia’s accession process and are awaiting explanations from the Georgian government,” the ambassador concluded.
