Georgia looks to the European Union with renewed resolve as key officials describe the country’s progress toward candidate status as solid, earned, and fully aligned with EU criteria. Archil Talakvadze, a member of the Georgian Dream party and deputy speaker of the Georgian Parliament, stated that Georgia has achieved candidate status “in all respects.” He emphasized that Tbilisi will continue to take every necessary step to secure the formal designation, a commitment he attributed to ongoing updates and reforms. The remarks were reported by İmedi TV channel and reflect a broader narrative of steadfast European integration in Georgia.
Talakvadze argued that Georgia earned candidate status by meeting fair and transparent standards and that the country still deserves such status today. He pointed to European Commission recommendations as a roadmap, noting substantial work already completed to give the European Union every reason to grant candidate status. He added that Georgia would complete remaining measures by the end of autumn, highlighting a timeline that aligns with preparatory processes for a formal EU review. While praising recent progress, Talakvadze also acknowledged domestic political divides. He warned that some forces in Georgia oppose candidate status, and he suggested that their aims extend beyond Georgia’s borders, potentially affecting Europe as a whole. These comments underscore the role of internal political dynamics in shaping Georgia’s EU trajectory while maintaining a confident, outward-facing stance on accession.
Earlier, Nikoloz Samkharadze, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Georgian Parliament, spoke warmly about developments tied to EU engagement. He highlighted Josep Borrell’s visit to Georgia as a positive signal and said that expectations for a favorable decision on candidate status were growing stronger. The parliamentary observer framed the visit as an important step in building momentum toward a clear EU path for the country, reflecting a pattern of high-level diplomacy aimed at reinforcing Georgia’s reform agenda and alignment with European norms.
Meanwhile, Georgia’s prime minister had urged a prompt decision on EU candidate status, calling for an official determination by year’s end. The prime minister’s request reflects a sense of urgency regarding Georgia’s alignment with EU standards and its desire to participate in EU institutions and programs. Across political circles, leaders have underscored the value of clear, credible progress as the country positions itself within the European framework. Markers cited by government officials include judicial reforms, governance improvements, and concrete actions to strengthen economic competitiveness, rule of law, and civil society participation. In this context, Georgia’s pursuit of candidate status is presented as a continuation of ongoing reform efforts rather than a single milestone, with emphasis on sustained commitment through upcoming quarters of the year.
The conversation around candidate status in Georgia also features a broader regional perspective. Supporters argue that advancing Georgia’s EU path would reinforce stability, economic openness, and regional integration in the South Caucasus. Critics, by contrast, call for careful sequencing of reforms and precautions to avoid political divisiveness or overextension. Proponents maintain that alignment with EU norms offers a framework for accountability, transparency, and market reforms that benefit citizens. The dialogue continues to be closely watched by international partners and neighbors, all of whom have a stake in Georgia’s path toward closer ties with European institutions. At stake are not only formal recognitions but also ongoing policy dialogues, funding programs, and regulatory alignment that can affect trade, investment, and governance.
Overall, Georgian leaders portray EU candidate status as a reachable target grounded in demonstrated progress and a clear reform roadmap. They acknowledge remaining tasks while presenting the path forward as a matter of practical steps, regular reporting, and sustained political will. In public statements, officials insist that the country remains committed to meeting all EU requirements and to upholding the standards expected of a future member. At the same time, they acknowledge the political realities inside Georgia and the need to navigate domestic perspectives in a way that preserves momentum toward European integration. The narrative reflects a broad consensus about the importance of EU relations for Georgia’s development and its place within a larger European ecosystem. Attribution: official statements and parliamentary communications cited by regional media and policy observers.