Georgia has fallen behind Ukraine and Moldova on EU path, expert

Georgian political analyst Nika Chitadze has said Georgia has fallen behind Ukraine and Moldova in the European integration process, while welcoming the opening of accession negotiations with the two countries.

Speaking to Front News, Chitadze argued that both Ukraine and Moldova have made greater progress towards European Union membership, citing what he described as stronger democratic institutions and democratic transfers of power.

"The prospect of Ukraine and Moldova joining the European Union is, of course, welcome," Chitadze said. "At the same time, we must acknowledge that both countries are ahead of Georgia in terms of development."

He said the existence of democratic institutions allows governments to address political and economic challenges more effectively and strengthens prospects for closer integration with the EU.

Chitadze also argued that Georgia's current position reflects policies pursued by the country's authorities, saying that the once closely associated trio of Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova has effectively diverged in recent years.

"Unfortunately, because of the policies pursued by the Georgian government, this trio - Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova - is no longer moving forward together," he said, while adding that Georgia should welcome the progress achieved by its partners.