The time is short, and the time is now to implement the Nine Steps and avoid any decisions that could obstruct the way toward the EU, – reads the statement released by the delegation of the European Union’s Political and Security Committee, which is visiting Georgia.
The Members of the PSC recall the merit-based nature of the accession process and invited the Georgian authorities to take the necessary steps to reach this objective
“The necessary reforms and progress need to be delivered without delays and in a whole-of society approach, involving the government, all political parties and civil society,” reads the statement.
The Members of the PSC call upon the Georgian authorities to seize the momentum, also in view to the upcoming parliamentary elections on 26 October 2024. In this context, the EU welcomes the Georgian government’s decision to invite ODIHR observers. The EU recalls the need for free and fair elections, and stresses the need to address all remaining ODIHR and Venice Commission recommendations on amendments to the election code.
The delegation, led by the PSC Chair, Ambassador Delphine Pronk, met with President Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani, representatives of the parliamentary majority and opposition, as well as representatives of civil society.
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