Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili signed a formal application for EU membership today in continuation of Georgia’s steady integration with the European bloc. In making this historic decision, Georgia stands firmly beside Ukraine and its Euro-Atlantic aspirations amid the unprovoked Russian military invasion of the country.
At the signing ceremony, the Prime Minister discussed the significance of the historic decision for EU membership and emphasized that Georgia is beginning a new stage in its European path. “Today is a historic day for Georgia – I am signing the application for EU membership on behalf of the country,” the Prime Minister said, and added, “Applying for EU membership is another important step on Georgia’s path to European integration – a stage that turns a new page in our history and continues the efforts of our ancestors.”
Georgia has made a firm and irreversible choice of integration into Western alliances. This choice is on clear display as the Government of Georgia announced its decision to apply for membership within the European Union in parallel with Ukraine’s application. Lauding the recent signing of the EU application, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Zalkaliani said, “Congratulations to the people of Georgia, as PM Gharibashvili has signed the long-awaited application for the Membership of the EU, making brighter the prospects of prosperity for our country. We will do the utmost for Georgia to be able to officially join the European family very soon!”
As Russia continues its military aggression against Ukraine, Georgia condemned Russia’s blatant violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and has stepped up to provide humanitarian aid to its embattled people. “Georgia is among the 96 member states of the UN that co-sponsored the resolution on “Aggression against Ukraine”. We stand with Ukraine.” Foreign Minister Zalkaliani said, regarding the historic condemnation of Russia at the UN. Additionally, Georgia has provided 100 tons of humanitarian aid to assist the Ukrainian people and was among the countries that voted to successfully strip Russia of its representation rights at the Council of Europe.
The “clear and unambiguous” support for Ukraine has been applauded by Georgia’s U.S. partners, with the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan meeting with the Georgian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister respectively on the matter. “The United States welcomes Georgia’s clear support for Ukraine,” the Ambassador said after the meeting with the Foreign Minister Zalkaliani and added that, “We should also mention the very generous donations by the Georgian people, the business community and the government, and the humanitarian assistance, as well as the support to Ukrainian citizens, including those here, in Tbilisi, Georgia.”
Georgia and Ukraine will continue to stand for one another in their shared aspirations and in support of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Since May 2021, Georgia and Ukraine have been pursuing a joint track on EU and NATO accesion through the Associated Trio pact, which also includes Moldova. Georgia will continue to stand with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people against Russian military aggression and hold Russia accountable under international law.