Chances of Georgia's EU accession remain slim, says EU ambassador

Current chances of Georgia's EU accession remain slim, says EU ambassador.

Georgia’s European Union membership prospects remain uncertain, according to the EU ambassador to the country.

Carl Hartzell, the EU ambassador to Georgia, said that while the country had made progress in recent years, there was still much work to be done before it could join the bloc.

“There is no doubt that Georgia has made significant progress in recent years,” Hartzell said. “But there is still a long way to go before the country can meet the criteria for EU membership.”

Hartzell said that Georgia needed to focus on strengthening its democracy, improving its human rights record, and fighting corruption.

“These are all areas where Georgia needs to make progress if it wants to join the EU,” Hartzell said.

Hartzell’s comments come at a time when Georgia is seeking to strengthen its ties with the EU.

In 2014, Georgia signed an Association Agreement with the EU, which committed the country to closer political and economic ties with the bloc.

Georgia has also applied for EU membership, but its application has not yet been approved.

The EU has said that Georgia must meet a number of criteria before it can join the bloc, including strengthening its democracy, improving its human rights record, and fighting corruption.

It is unclear when Georgia will be ready to join the EU.

Hartzell said that it was important for Georgia to focus on its own reforms, rather than waiting for the EU to give it a green light.

“Georgia needs to focus on its own reforms and not wait for the EU to tell it what to do,” Hartzell said.

“The EU will be there to support Georgia on its path to EU membership, but it is up to Georgia to make the necessary reforms.”