European Commissioner for Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi, who is on a visit to Georgia, says that he sees the steps taken towards the implementation of the 12 recommendations of the European Commission, although the country will have to work a lot to show its readiness for EU candidacy.
“I see the development, the economy is booming, I went through the city and it is obvious to everyone that the economy has been developing over the last year. Progress can be seen in the economy,” Várhelyi said at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.
He stated that he came to Georgia for the first time not only with the mandate of the European Commissioner for the issues of neighborhood policy, but also for enlargement.
“During this period of difficulties that both of us are facing and this new geopolitical pressure situation, Georgia has shown us very clearly that only joining the European Union is a strong and solid goal of Georgia, and for this long-term stability and peace are needed. We have heard this message and I have come not only to say that we have heard this message, but also to inform you that we are ready to fulfill this request,” he said.
Várhelyi noted that the vast majority of the population of Georgia supports joining the European Union, and this is a very strong mandate not only for the government, but also for the entire political elite, adding that for this it is necessary to fulfill 12 recommendations of the European Union.
“Today we came with a very clear purpose – we want to help you prepare Georgia to join the European Union. We want to move forward together in this direction. We have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks and months. Georgia will have to make a big effort to show that it is ready to become a candidate country, but I must emphasize that this will only happen if the whole country, all of Georgia and all Georgians inside and outside the country work for this goal. I am sure that history never gives the same chance twice, so we should embrace this opportunity and make it a reality. To do this, we need to implement the 12 recommendations, and we need to show a good example in this direction. I am glad to see steps taken in this direction”, said Olivér Várhelyi.
He added that the faster Georgia fulfills the 12 recommendations, the faster it will advance on the road to Europe.
“The faster Georgia fulfills these reservations, the faster the citizens of Georgia will receive the benefits that come to you by granting the candidate status. We have no time to lose,” he said.
