EU Ambassador: Georgia could have been better prepared for this historic moment

Georgia has clearly made great progress on the path of reform over the years. At the same time, Georgia could have been better prepared for this historic moment, as it coincides with a time when the EU is expressing growing concern about the country’s trajectory, EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell said on Monday, commenting on the EU’s approaching decision on Georgia’s candidate country status. 

He said that the slow pace of reforms had created a political crisis in the country.

“The slow pace of reforms in recent years has created a political crisis in which all parties have their share of responsibility,” the ambassador said.

He stated that the EU had reacted to various events in Georgia over recent years, “including questions about democratic elections, the July 5 violence and its consequences, the protection of the rights of journalists and minorities, the rule of law and respect for institutions, the issues related to the State Inspector’s Service.” 

Georgia applied for EU membership on March 3 and submitted a self-assessment questionnaire on May 10, answering more than 2,800 questions on the country’s compatibility with EU standards. 

The EU is expected to decide on the candidate country status, a step prior to final membership, in the coming months. 

Hartzell stated today that the European Commission’s assessment of Georgia will be announced in the coming days, after which a discussion will begin on whether Georgia will be granted EU candidate status.

“We will continue to help you succeed in fulfilling the European agenda no matter what decision is made  because we believe in our friendship and partnership and we want Georgia to establish its place in Europe and the world. Help us to help you,” Hartzell said.

The Georgian Dream authorities are accusing the opposition of “campaigning about the candidate country status for Georgia,” while the opposition says that the government is trying to “overshadow its possible  failure,” by shifting blame onto them.