US Ambassador to Georgia, Robin Dunnigan, on Friday extended congratulations to Georgia on attaining the status of a candidate country for EU membership. Her video address was published on the mission’s social media account on the next day of the European Council’s decision.
“Congratulations to all Georgians. Today marks a truly historic day. The US celebrates with great enthusiasm Georgia’s acceptance as a candidate country for the EU. We also commend the commitment of the EU and its member states to the enlargement of the European family. The US rejoices with you as Georgians and, therefore, Europeans. We take pride in having supported you along the way and will continue to do so. Congratulations once again,” the diplomat said. The US State Department on Thursday said the decisions to initiate negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova for EU accession, grant candidate status to Georgia, and commence negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina after meeting the criteria provided hope and incentive for these countries and their peoples to continue reforms.It emphasized that this moment was historic for Europe and the Transatlantic Partnership.
During the European Council meeting in Brussels, the leaders of the EU member states, based on the recommendations issued by the European Commission in November 2023, endorsed the initiation of negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova for EU accession, the conferment of candidate status to Georgia, and the commencement of negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina after meeting the relevant criteria.
Before the vote, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary, an opponent of negotiations with Ukraine, left the hall. The leaders of the remaining 26 EU countries voted to initiate negotiations with Ukraine. As Hungary did not exercise the right of veto, the decision was considered legal. Simultaneously, Orbán vetoed the 50 billion euro aid package provided by the bloc to Ukraine.
Ukraine and Moldova attained the status of candidates for EU membership in June 2022, while Georgia received the European perspective.
The European Commission recommended to the European Council on November 8 to initiate accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and grant candidate status to Georgia.
Ukraine was the first among the EU’s Associated Trio countries to apply for EU membership a few days after the large-scale invasion of the Russian army on February 28, 2022. Georgia applied for membership on March 3. 2022.
