The opinion of the European Commission states that “Georgia has a foundation in place to reach the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, even if recent developments have undermined the country's progress; it has achieved a good degree of macroeconomic stability and has a sound record of economic policy and a favourable business environment, but further reforms are needed to improve the functioning of its market economy; and overall, Georgia has established a solid basis for further alignment with the EU acquis.”

On this basis, the Commission recommended that Georgia be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status once a number of priorities have been addressed.

The Opinion also stated that the accession process remains based on established criteria and conditions. This allows any country in the process to progress based on own merits but also means that steps towards the EU can be reversed if the underlying conditions are not met anymore. The European Commission will monitor Georgia’s progress to address the outlined priorities.

This recommendation has been taken into account by the European Council, which recognised the European Perspective for Georgia on 23 June 2022.

Background

• FAQ: Georgia’s European Perspective
• Factsheet: The twelve priorities
• Memo: Opinion on the EU membership application by Georgia
• Full text: Opinion of the European Commission on Georgia’s application for EU Membership