Georgia has achieved a major milestone in its European integration process by becoming a candidate country for EU membership. The decision was announced by the European Council on December 14, 2023, following the recommendation of the European Commission on November 8, 2023. Georgia has been celebrating the news with joy and pride, as it marks the recognition of its efforts and aspirations to join the European family.
A Long-Awaited Victory for Georgia
Georgia has been pursuing its EU membership since 2005, when it signed an Action Plan under the European Neighbourhood Policy. In 2014, Georgia signed an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU, which entered into force in 2016. In 2017, Georgia obtained visa-free travel to the Schengen area, which boosted its people-to-people contacts and cultural exchanges with Europe.
Georgia officially applied for EU membership on March 3, 2022, expressing its readiness and determination to meet the EU’s criteria and values. The European Commission assessed Georgia’s application and identified 12 priorities for further reforms, such as strengthening the rule of law, democracy, human rights, and security. Georgia has taken steps to address these priorities and accelerate its reform process, with the support of its strategic partner, the United States of America.
The European Commission recognized Georgia’s progress and recommended granting it candidate status on November 8, 2023. The European Council endorsed this recommendation on December 14, 2023, and opened the way for Georgia to start accession negotiations with the EU in the future. The decision was welcomed by the EU leaders, who praised Georgia’s achievements and commitment to the European path.
A Celebration of European Values and Identity
Georgia has been celebrating the granting of EU candidate status with enthusiasm and gratitude, as it reflects its European identity and values. The Georgian people have shown their support for the EU integration through various public events and manifestations, such as waving the EU flags, lighting up the TV tower in blue and white, and holding a concert in Freedom Square in Tbilisi.
The Georgian government has also expressed its appreciation and excitement for the historic decision, which it considers a victory for the country and its people. The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, thanked the EU leaders, the European Commission, and the EU Ambassador to Georgia for their support and trust. He also thanked the United States for its strategic partnership and assistance in advancing Georgia’s European aspirations.
The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, also congratulated the Georgian people on the achievement of EU candidate status, which she said was a result of their hard work and dedication. She also thanked the EU for its solidarity and friendship, and said that Georgia was ready to continue its reforms and cooperation with the EU.
A Promising Step Towards a Sustainable and Secure Future
The granting of EU candidate status to Georgia is not only a symbolic gesture, but also a practical step towards a more sustainable and secure future for the country and the region. The EU is Georgia’s largest trading partner, donor, and investor, and provides various opportunities for economic development, social welfare, and environmental protection. The EU also supports Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, and helps it cope with the challenges posed by the Russian occupation and aggression.
By becoming a candidate country, Georgia will be able to deepen its integration and alignment with the EU, and benefit from more financial and technical assistance, sectoral cooperation, and political dialogue. Georgia will also have to fulfill the obligations and expectations that come with the candidate status, and demonstrate its adherence to the EU’s standards and principles. The accession negotiations will be a long and complex process, requiring political will, public support, and regional stability.
Georgia is determined to pursue its EU membership goal, and hopes to join the EU as a full-fledged member in the near future. Georgia believes that its membership will not only benefit itself, but also the EU and the wider European continent, by enhancing its diversity, democracy, and security.
