PM says “we won’t tolerate” rejection on EU candidacy

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday reiterated his office would “not tolerate” the European Union’s rejection later this year on the country’s candidate status, without specifying what he meant. 

 

He recalled his latest meeting with EU Council President Charles Michel earlier this month and claimed his messages were “clear and unequivocal” that considering the reforms implemented in the country and existing security challenges in the region, Tbilisi “deserved” the status. 

 

Garibashvili claimed he had told EU officials “once again” rejecting Georgia’s candidacy would be  “another strategic mistake” by the bloc and “very unfair attitude” to Georgia. 

 

The EU last year granted Ukraine and Moldova its candidacy, while Georgia received only a European perspective and a reform agenda for candidacy.