Michel “welcomes” Georgian PM’s claims on planned reforms for candidacy

Charles Michel, the European Council President, on Tuesday welcomed the pledge by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on addressing the issues for the country’s European Union candidacy. 

 

In a tweet following his meeting with Garibashvili on the sidelines of the UNGA 78th session in New York, Michel reiterated the bloc’s commitment to the Georgian membership perspective. 

 

“Time now for concrete delivery on necessary priorities to unlock candidate status”, he said. 

 

Garibashvili met Michel on Monday and claimed the Parliamentary majority was ready to address the “remaining four issues” for candidacy recently raised by EU officials, which he said included deoligarchisation efforts, electoral and judiciary amendments. 

 

The PM also claimed Georgia “deserves” EU candidacy considering its achievements and current geopolitical circumstances. 

 

The European Council will decide on Georgia’s status in December, using the recommendations by the European Commission in October on Georgia’s implementation of the 12-point conditions outlined last year for receiving the status.