Mogesalmebit,

Before moving to the enlargement report, let me start by expressing my sincere condolences to all of Georgia and especially to the family and friends of a Georgian citizen, who was killed by the Russian Border Guards. The EU strongly condemns this horrific killing and calls for an immediate release of another Georgian citizen kidnapped. Russian military presence in the Georgian occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is illegal.

Ladies and gentlemen,

now let’s move to today’s decision. Congratulations! The European Commission has recommended that Georgia is granted the candidate status.

My sincere congratulations to all political leaders in Georgia. My sincere congratulations to the government, to the opposition, to the Parliament, to the President, to the civil society, and to you – to the media, but first and foremost - to the people of Georgia, who have always, consistently, in an unwavering way, supported Georgia’s European path.

This is a big recognition from the European Union of the progress achieved within the last years. European aspirations are uniting all Georgians. I have not met one single Georgian citizen who did not wish that their country be granted candidate status.

At the same time, we should not forget that the recommendation to grant Georgia the candidate status is linked to fulfilling important steps. Addressing these steps will be crucial to move to the next stage. This is the nature of the enlargement process: constant reform so that the country can be ready to take its place as a full member of the European Union.

While the report acknowledges the progress made by Georgia, it also underlines that important work remains to be done in essential reform areas such as the rule of law, the freedom of the media, and holding free and fair elections. The report also highlights how important it is for Georgia to fight against disinformation, particularly disinformation targeted against the European Union.

To do this, Georgia will need to reduce political polarisation. When united you can do really great things.

Now, it is up to Georgia’s leaders, the ruling party and the opposition, to work together constructively towards fulfilling the aspirations of the people and deliver on the new steps set by the European Commission. The enlargement of the EU over the past years have demonstrated: once there is a broad political consensus that can deliver on reforms, the process can move very quickly.  These steps are not to please Brussels. They are to improve the lives of the people of Georgia. They are to improve the quality of Georgian state.

Georgia has embarked on a journey toward the EU membership. We will continue supporting you every step of the way.

The report that the European Commission published today is very comprehensive – 136 pages in English – on Georgia’s preparedness in all areas. Each of these chapters also contains recommendations and guidance as to what Georgia should do to advance on its European journey.  We will work together with Georgian administration to move as forward as possible.

While we have a very good reason to celebrate today, we must remember that the final decision on Georgia’s candidate status will be made by the leaders of the 27 EU Member States, by unanimity, in December, this year. There are about 5 weeks left until that decision and every single day counts. I trust that every day will be used to move Georgia forward.

To all the people of Georgia, once again, congratulations and thank you for your strong European aspirations and unwavering support for the EU membership!

We are one family. We are fully committed to help you build a better future for Georgia, and a more secure and prosperous life for your and future generations. The future of Georgia is in the EU.

Gilocav Sakartvelo!