EU Ambassador to Georgia warns of prolonged bloc membership delay

Georgia risks a prolonged delay in its European Union membership prospects if the current political situation persists, warned EU Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński during a Europe Day event on Friday. 

Herczyński emphasized that the EU's integration process for Georgia had effectively been halted due to actions by the Georgian government. He cautioned that if the situation continued, Georgia may lose its opportunity for EU membership for an extended period. "If this situation does not change, Georgia may lose its chance of EU membership for a long time," he said. 

The ambassador highlighted concerns over the state of democracy in Georgia, noting that EU membership was not an obligation but an opportunity. He underscored the EU's commitment to universal values and its role as a reliable partner for prosperity, security, and stability.

Reflecting on the longstanding relationship between Georgia and the EU, Ambassador Herczyński pointed to the “tangible benefits this partnership has brought” to the people of Georgia, particularly in infrastructure development. He also reminded the audience that Georgia became a candidate for EU membership in 2023, marking a historic milestone.

However, he expressed concern over the current halt in the European integration process, emphasizing the significance of the stalled progress. "If this situation does not change, Georgia may lose its chance of EU membership for a long time," he reiterated.

The EU Ambassador called for Georgia to reconsider its current political path and reaffirm its commitment to the democratic values that underpin European integration.