Czech President affirms support for Georgia’s EU aspirations with counterpart

Czech President Petr Pavel on Monday hosted Georgian counterpart Salome Zourabichvili at the Prague Palace, part of the latter’s official’s bilateral visit to the country, underscoring his office’s endorsement of Georgia’s European aspirations.

The official welcome at the Prague Palace was followed by a one-on-one meeting between the officials. According to reports from Czech public broadcaster Cht-24, President Pavel saw Zourabichvili as a “key figure” contributing significantly to the promotion of European values in Georgia.

Zourabichvili’s visit coincides with a crucial juncture in Georgia’s EU candidacy. On December 12, the EU Ministerial Council will convene, with the European Council scheduled for December 14-15, where the final decision on Georgia’s status as a candidate for EU membership is expected to be confirmed.

The European Commission, in a positive recommendation issued on November 8, outlined nine specific steps for Georgia to follow in its pursuit of EU candidacy. These steps build upon the 12 recommendations issued by the Commission in June 2022, introducing both continuation and novel aspects to the accession process.

Zourabichvili will also engage in discussions at the Czech Senate and meet with representatives of the Georgian diaspora later on Monday.