Opposition UNM: Georgia has been left behind as EU advances talks with Ukraine and Moldova

A member of the political council of the United National Movement, Giorgi Kapanadze, has said the ruling party has deprived Georgians of a European future and the opportunities associated with it, following the European Union's decision to advance accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova.

Speaking as EU foreign ministers met in Luxembourg this week, Kapanadze said the opening of the first accession negotiation cluster for Ukraine and Moldova highlighted Georgia's “stalled” European integration process.

Kapanadze argued that the country had lost opportunities for prosperity, long-term peace and improved living standards, and said political change was necessary to alter Georgia's future course.

"The opening of negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova while we remain in this situation is a clear demonstration that Georgian Dream has deprived our people not only of a European future, but also of the opportunity for prosperity, lasting peace and dignified living conditions," he said.

He added that political changes were the only way to secure what he described as European prosperity, long-term stability and better living conditions for the population.