Georgian FM: dialogue on EU membership must involve Gov’t elected by people

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Thursday stressed that discussions about the country’s European Union membership must be held with the democratically elected Government, emphasising that EU accession was a long-term process requiring broad societal engagement.

In her remarks, Botchorishvili emphasised that while international figures may express support for Georgia’s European path, the actual process of EU membership could not be achieved through political statements alone or the endorsement of a single individual.

“The Government of Georgia is elected by the people. When Marta Kos or Kaja Kallas say that they support the European perspective of our society, our people, and want this country to be in the EU, and then criticise the course or actions of the Government elected by these people”, she said.

Botchorishvili pointed out that 85% of the Georgian population supported EU membership and had entrusted the current Government, led by the Georgian Dream party, to lead the country in that direction.

“The people chose this Government. These are the people, 85% of whom want to see this country in the EU. I am among them, as are many of us. We want to see our country in the EU, and at this stage, the Georgian electorate entrusts this path and the country’s development to the Georgian Dream”, she noted.

The Minister also underlined the need for public understanding of EU requirements and for constructive discussions between society, Government, and external partners on Georgia’s readiness for membership.

“This is a long process. EU membership cannot be achieved just by political statements, nor will Marta Kos’s statement make Georgia an EU member, nor can it halt this process. We have work to do, and if they truly want to see Georgia in the EU, naturally they should sit down with the Georgian Government and discuss it. Our society must first understand what the preconditions are, what requirements Brussels sets for our country to become an EU member. It is up to our society to decide whether these conditions are acceptable. At this stage, our society entrusts this path and the country’s development to the Georgian Dream”, Botchorishvili said.

“Accordingly, everyone else acting externally is obliged to speak with the Government elected by the people on this matter when we discuss Georgia’s EU membership”, she concluded.