The European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Pavel Gerchinsky, said that the country could miss the opportunity to join the EU for a long time due to the halt in the European integration process.
He said this during a speech at an event in Batumi on the occasion of Europe Day, SOVA reports.
Why Georgia May Miss Its Chance to Join the EU
Gerchinsky recalled that in 2023, Georgia received the status of a candidate country for EU membership and this step was historic for the Georgian people. However, according to him, European integration has actually been suspended.
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“It is sad that Georgia may lose its historic chance for EU membership for a long time. Moreover, democracy in the country is still under threat,” the ambassador said.
He stressed that EU membership is not an obligation, but an opportunity based on the sovereign choice of the people and the state. Gerchinsky also added that EU integration means peace and prosperity, and that respect for history, culture and traditions unites the EU countries.
The diplomat called on the Georgian authorities to return to the path of democratic development and stressed that the EU is ready to resume joint work if Tbilisi takes appropriate steps.
“We are proud to be friends of Georgia,” Gerchinsky summed up.
Let us recall that the Georgian parliament terminated the powers of 49 deputies of the new convocation, namely representatives of the opposition parties – Unity – National Movement, Coalition for Change and Strong Georgia.
