Ruling party MP says a ‘new friendship’ begins as Georgian Parliament Speaker meets European Parliament President

Levan Karumidze, Deputy Head of Georgian Parliament’s European Integration Committee, has announced the beginning of a new friendship, “based on common values and goals,” as Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili met with European Parliament President Roberta Matsola in Brussels yesterday. 

“Wonderful meeting between Shalva Papuashvili and Roberta Matsola just now. A new friendship begins, based on common values and common goals, with stronger  Europe on our minds!” Karumidze tweeted. 

Matsola stated that she welcomed Georgia’s diplomatic support for Ukraine.

She tweeted that the European Parliament acknowledges applications for EU Membership by Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova, stating that the trio “belong to a European family.”

“Rule of law, independent judiciary and real parliamentary dialogue are essential for democracy,” Matsola said.

Following the meeting Papuashvili said that the Georgian delegation has received “confirmation” that the EU is trying to speed up bureaucratic procedures over the EU membership applications.

“Georgia’s application for EU membership has already been sent to relevant departments which have to draft a questionnaire,” Papuashvili said.

He stated that if the procedures lasted for months previously, now, most likely, they would  be completed in a few weeks. 

“A questionnaire will be sent which will be the basis for the study and analysis of the country. Granting a candidate status to Georgia will be a political decision. We will do our job,” Papuashvili said. 

Georgia applied for EU membership shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. 

Earlier, the country had plans to take the step by 2024.