Tbilisi expects “far-sighted”, “fair” decision on EU candidacy – PM tells Silk Road Forum

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday told the Tbilisi Silk  Road Forum that his country expected a “far-sighted” and “fair” decision from the European Union on the country’s candidate status in December. 

 

Garibashvili pointed to the “achievements” of the current Government, and stressed it had ensured the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Deal, visa free and trade free agreements with the bloc over the past 10 years, and also obtained a European perspective in June 2022, after requesting EU membership in March of that year. 

 

“We can truly say that we expect a far-sighted and fair decision from Europe to truly achieve the candidate status with merit, and it will be a joint effort of our people and the Government. I would like to emphasize that Georgia really has a worthy place in Europe and Georgia deserves the status”, Garibashvili said. 

 

He further noted his office was “optimistic” the European Commission’s report on Tbilisi’s implementation of the candidacy conditions in early November would be positive, as the European Council will use the assessments to decide on the country’s status in December. 

 

The Forum has brought together more than 2,000 delegates from up to 60 states to discuss trade and connectivity.