The European Commission Declined Georgia's Request to Begin EU Accession Talks
Georgia's EU Membership Hopes Dashed for Now
In a significant setback for Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union, the European Commission has decided not to recommend that the country be granted candidate status.
The decision, announced on Friday, June 17, 2023, came after a meeting of the European Commission in Brussels. The Commission's recommendation is a key step in the EU accession process, and without it, Georgia cannot formally begin negotiations to join the bloc.
Reasons for the Commission's Decision
The Commission cited a number of reasons for its decision, including:
- Georgia's ongoing political instability and polarization
- The country's weak rule of law and high levels of corruption
- The unresolved conflict with Russia over the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Georgia's Disappointment and Determination
The Georgian government expressed its disappointment with the Commission's decision but vowed to continue its efforts to meet the EU's requirements.
In a statement, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said, "We are disappointed by the European Commission's decision, but we respect their assessment. We will continue to work hard to address the concerns raised by the Commission and to demonstrate our commitment to the values and principles of the European Union."
Implications for Georgia's Future
The Commission's decision is a major setback for Georgia's hopes of joining the EU in the near future. However, it does not完全にexclude the possibility of Georgia eventually becoming a member of the bloc.
The Commission's recommendation will now be considered by the European Council, which is made up of the leaders of the EU member states. The Council will make the final decision on whether or not to grant Georgia candidate status.
If the Council decides not to grant candidate status, it will be a significant blow to Georgia's European aspirations. However, it is still possible that Georgia could eventually join the EU if it can address the concerns raised by the Commission.
