The EU High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell, on Thursday, held a press point in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, saying “The European Union’s door is open and we want to support you on the way, but I have to say also that EU application is a serious commitment that candidate status is not something that countries are entitled to.” EU High Representative underlined that “it needs to be earned through serious reforms.”

In his speech, Borrell stressed, “Georgia is an important partner for the EU, and this is a crucial time for your future,”  and the nation “should use the short remaining time to address the key reforms and requirements.”

“This is a crucial time for your future because, in a few weeks, the European Union will consider next steps in Georgia’s accession [path] to the European Union and, for the first time, the report on Georgia’s progress as an enlargement country.

I want to be very clear in that important moment: the European Union’s door is open to Georgia and the European Union is committed to supporting Georgia on its path towards European Union membership. The door is open and we want to support you on the way.

But I have to say also that the European Union application is a serious commitment [and] that candidate status is not something that countries are entitled to. It needs to be earned. It needs to be earned through serious reforms and adherence to the European Union’s values.

And to be frank, there is still quite a bit of work to be done.

In Georgia’s case, these are the 12 priorities that need to be fulfilled, as set out in the European Commission’s Opinion.

The hard work – delivering on these 12 priorities -, is not to please Brussels. It is not to make happy people in Brussels or the Member States of the European Union. Ultimately, it is to improve the lives of the Georgian citizens, living up to the overwhelming European aspirations of the Georgian people.

I see a lot of European flags on the streets of this city. I know that 80% of Georgian people support [Georgia’s path] to be [a] member of the European Union.

So let me express my appreciation for all those who stand up for a European future for Georgia.

Accession is a national task – all actors need to be working together constructively [and] united. Unity is more important than ever,” the EU High Representative underscored.

Josep Borrell arrived in Georgia today for an official visit. During the visit, the High Representative will meet with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, and the civil sector to discuss “the progress so far and the work that still needs to be done.”