Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili met with E.U. Commission for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi to discuss his Government’s progress on the European Union accession path and implementation of the bloc’s twelve recommendations.
At the meeting, held as part of the Prime Minister’s working visit to Brussels, Garibashvili stressed the importance of granting E.U. candidate status to Georgia and expressed hope its efforts would be “properly reflected” in the European Commission’s upcoming report. In turn, Varhelyi said Georgia’s efforts were “well received” and stressed the country would get “all the support” on its E.U. path, adding, “Georgia belongs to the E.U. family.”
Since 2012, Georgia has emerged as a leader in Western-style free market principles and governance through accelerated reforms, leading in reputable worldwide rankings across multiple categories. For instance, based on the World Justice Projects Rule of Law Index 2023, Georgia ranks ahead of all E.U. candidate countries, as well as two E.U. and five NATO member states.
While Georgia’s accomplishments and status as the Associated Trios’ frontrunner should have already merited E.U. candidate status, the Georgian Parliament has faithfully worked to implement the E.U.’s twelve recommendations. To this end, the Government of Georgia has engaged with opposition parties, civil society, and relevant stakeholders for an all-of-society approach to reform.