Georgia Has Implemented Over 90% of EU Association Agreement and DCFTA Commitments, Prime Minister Says

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has said that the country has implemented more than 90% of its commitments under the Association Agreement with the European Union and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), describing the progress as evidence of the government’s continued commitment to European integration.

Speaking to journalists in Brussels, Kobakhidze said the implementation rate had increased significantly over the past three years, rising from approximately 60–65% to more than 90%.

“The implementation rate of the Association Agreement and the DCFTA exceeds 90%, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can provide detailed information on this. We have been consistently fulfilling our obligations,” the Prime Minister said.

He argued that the reported progress demonstrated Georgia’s serious approach to its European integration commitments, despite ongoing disagreements between Tbilisi and Brussels.

“About three years ago, the implementation rate stood at 60–65%, whereas today it exceeds 90%. This demonstrates that we take European integration seriously,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister also addressed the EU’s previous reform recommendations, including the 12 priorities and the subsequent nine steps outlined by European institutions.

He accused opposition parties of refusing to participate in relevant discussions and working groups, while maintaining that the government had continued implementing reforms.

“The opposition did not join the relevant discussions or working groups. Nevertheless, we continued working consistently, and there were only two points that we deliberately chose not to implement,” he said.

According to Kobakhidze, one of those points concerned proposed changes to the judiciary, including the introduction of a vetting mechanism, which he argued would undermine judicial independence.

The second concerned changes related to the Central Election Commission, which the Prime Minister characterised as an attempt to transfer control of the electoral administration to what he described as foreign agents.

“These were the only two points we did not implement. We worked seriously on the remaining recommendations and achieved the relevant results,” Kobakhidze said.

He reiterated that the Georgian government remained committed to cooperation with European institutions but argued that further progress in relations would depend on the EU’s willingness to engage constructively.

“Our approach is serious. The rest depends on the European bureaucracy and the steps it takes. We are open to discussion and hope that they, too, will take steps towards Georgia and the Georgian people,” the Prime Minister said.

The Association Agreement, including the DCFTA, forms a central part of Georgia’s framework for political association and economic integration with the European Union.