Georgia: The prospects and challenges of Georgia’s European integration were the main topics of discussion at a panel session held within the framework of the Ambassadors Conference on December 26, 2023.
The panel, titled “Georgia is a candidate country of the European Union – new opportunities on the path of European integration”, brought together Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Deputy Minister Teimuraz Janjalia, Head of Georgian Mission to the European Union Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, and other high-level officials and experts.
The panellists highlighted the significance of the European Commission’s recommendation to grant Georgia the EU candidate status, which was announced on November 8, 2023. They praised the progress made by Georgia in implementing the reforms and fulfilling the twelve priorities identified in its membership application.
They also stressed the need to maintain the momentum and address the remaining challenges, such as strengthening the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, as well as enhancing the economic and social development of the country.
The panellists also emphasized the role of the strategic partnership with the United States in supporting Georgia’s EU aspirations. They expressed their gratitude for the efforts of the White House and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in this regard.
They also acknowledged the importance of regional cooperation and solidarity among the Eastern Partnership countries, especially Ukraine and Moldova, which also received the EU candidate status in June 2022.
The panel session was part of the Ambassadors Conference, an annual event organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, which aims to review the achievements and challenges of Georgian foreign policy and define the priorities and goals for the upcoming year.
The conference also provides an opportunity for Georgian diplomats to exchange views and experiences with the representatives of the government, parliament, civil society, academia, media, and international partners.
