PM says his message at EPC Summit is Georgia “deserves” EU candidacy, pledges “defeat” of internal, foreign enemies

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said his message at the ongoing European Political Community Summit in Spain was that Tbilisi “deserves” the European Union membership candidate status in December. 

In his press comments, the PM also commended his office’s “reasonable policies” to “on the one hand ensure domestic peace and security, and on the other hand act in line with international partners to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia”. 

Pointing to the ongoing occupation of Georgian territories by Russia and absence of “any security umbrella” for Georgia, the PM claimed Tbilisi’s situation “differed” from other nations, and its Government had to “maneuver sensibly” amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict to prevent additional challenges for the country. 

He noted “domestic and foreign enemies” were taking actions to “sabotage” the country’s  European future, and expressed hope the country would “defeat them” and obtain the EU candidacy later this year.