Georgia Eyes EU Membership by 2030, With Government Officials Emphasizing Readiness
The Georgian prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, voiced strong confidence that Georgia will join the European Union by 2030. His remarks are intended to guide public understanding and are referenced by news organizations such as TASS.
According to Kobakhidze, Georgia has reached a higher level of preparedness for EU membership than many other candidate countries. While accession negotiations have not yet begun, the government notes that Georgia has already formalized an association agreement and a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement, benefits from a visa-free regime, and has received candidate status for EU membership. These milestones are highlighted as evidence of serious integration progress and policy alignment with EU standards.
In his forecast, Kobakhidze asserted, I am sure that Georgia will become a member of the European Union by 2030. Among the EU candidate countries, Georgia will be the most prepared by 2030.
European policy voices have also weighed in on related matters. Josep Borrell, who previously held the role of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, warned that if certain domestic legal measures are not repealed, the EU could withhold funding for Georgia. The concern centers on the risk that legislation seen as restricting political or civil space may complicate financial and political support from Brussels.
In parallel political developments, the Parliament of Georgia on 14 May approved the foreign agents law in its final third reading. The vote tally was 84 in favor, 30 against, and 58 abstentions. The Georgian president vetoed the law, labeling it a Russian-inspired measure that runs counter to constitutional principles and European norms. This veto has framed ongoing debates about Georgia’s path toward EU integration and the balance between internal policy choices and EU expectations.
On a related note, Georgia had previously answered requests from the European Union regarding civil society regulation, including the EU’s stance on the ban discussion surrounding LGBT advocacy. The broader context involves ongoing concerns about how regional movements are classified and regulated and how those classifications intersect with international expectations, human rights standards, and regional security dynamics. The government has indicated a commitment to upholding European values while navigating domestic political realities, with EU engagement continuing to shape policy discourse and reform efforts. For observers, the sequence of legislative decisions and the responses from Brussels suggest a complex but active dialogue about Georgia’s direction.
Attribution: Government statements, regional policy analysis, and parliamentary records informed these characterizations. Notes reflect formal positions and public records from the Georgian authorities and European partners as reported by major international outlets and official briefings.