While attaining "symbolic, but significant" EU candidacy status would not bring security assurances to Georgia, Moldova, or Ukraine, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili has stated that it would inspire them to pursue reforms. PM Garibashvili explained his views at the GLOBSEC summit in Bratislava on June 3 during a panel discussion on "Stringing Partnership with Allies of the Eastern Neighbourhood." Moldovan President Maia Sandu also took part in the discussion, albeit remotely.
According to the Prime Minister, Georgia will have "extra impetus" if it is granted candidacy status. "This will be a celebration of our accomplishments, but we recognise that this is a work in progress. Georgia is a European nation by nature," the Prime Minister stated, saying that the country had a "master plan in the shape of the EU Association Agreement, so we know precisely what we should accomplish." Georgia, he noted, has fulfilled 45 percent of the 2014 Association Agreement. He also mentioned the DCFTA, saying that "any form of advancement is outstanding." "We understand how to develop our country into a true European state. As a result, we envision ourselves in Europe, as part of the EU within 5-10 years. This is our hope and desire after ten years." "My message is that we – Georgia – have done our research," he added, adding that it is now up to the EU to determine if Europe would stick to its allies.
Georgia is pursuing candidacy at this point, not membership, he said, adding, "We are not asking or searching for a free shortcut." "It's going to take a long time. We recognise that we must continue all of our reforms, and we have made pledges." PM Irakli Garibashvili said at the panel that Georgia is not a country that expects things for nothing, but rather is willing to contribute to the European Union, such as by making the "tough decision" to send soldiers to the Central African Republic as part of an EU-led operation. "We dispatched a battalion!" More than 500 troops have been dispatched to the Central African Republic to assist the European allies, according to the Prime Minister. "Georgia, Georgians," he said, "are where the world needs us, where the European community needs us."
When asked if his government will "stand up to European values" or "do nothing" to prevent homophobic pogroms like the one that occurred in downtown Tbilisi on July 5 in 2021, which injured over 50 journalists and resulted in the death of a camera operator, the Prime Minister responded, "In 2014, we adopted the anti-discrimination law to eradicate all forms of discrimination. To be honest, it is not just [Georgia's] struggle; many nations, including European Union member states, have concerns and challenges relating to these issues." "More than 30 individuals were apprehended by the police after they assaulted journalists and operators. He stated that they are also being prosecuted.
