“We are a trio; Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia”
Georgian leadership has emphasized a shared path to European Union membership for Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova. The stance is that all three countries should advance toward EU membership together, reflecting a common strategic horizon.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili described the three nations as a cooperative bloc, noting that the trio was formed to pursue a united goal. The statement was reported by French broadcaster LCI and echoed in various media briefings. Zurabishvili cautioned that the timing of joining the EU could vary, suggesting an openness to different timelines while maintaining the expectation of a future expansion of the bloc for these states.
Zurabishvili also warned against treating candidate status as a bargaining chip. She pointed out that European support should accompany any status granted, rather than acting as a political concession or reward.
Key discussions revolve around the 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia, with observers noting that the election outcome could influence whether the country shifts from a single-party system to a coalition government. This political transition is perceived as a significant factor in aligning with EU expectations.
Conditions for EU membership
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicated that negotiation talks with Ukraine and Moldova should begin and that Georgia may gain candidate status if it meets specific criteria. The criteria include strengthening consistency between Georgia’s actions and the European Union’s common foreign and security policy.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz later underscored that EU support should accompany the reform process for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. He called for progress toward peace and stability while backing reform efforts across all three countries.
Georgia between two pressures
Georgia submitted its candidacy application in March 2022, joining Moldova and Ukraine in seeking EU membership. While Moldova and Ukraine were granted candidate status in subsequent months, Georgia faced a setback with the initial decision, receiving a list of twelve recommendations to fulfill before status could be assured.
Among the reforms highlighted are addressing political polarization, ensuring the full functioning of state institutions, judicial reform, and a program of de-oligarchization. Additional priorities include guaranteeing media freedom and advancing human rights protections. A political observer noted that potential EU expectations could include participation in sanctions against Russia as part of the broader alignment with EU policies. The Georgian political landscape is described as navigating competing pressures, with ruling parties facing external leverage linked to private financial resources abroad. Analysts warn that external pressure may influence decision-making and policy choices.
Controversies surrounding Georgia’s EU candidacy have centered on disagreements with Brussels over several issues, including the proximity of legal actions against former President Mikheil Saakashvili, legislation on foreign agents, and the resumption of air links with the Russian Federation. These factors contribute to an ongoing debate about Georgia’s readiness for candidate status and the paths it must take to meet EU criteria.