The EU acknowledged Georgia’s European perspective. It is up to candidate nations to reform their economies and institutions in order to move closer to the EU, said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, at the EU Ambassadors Conference 2022 in Brussels.

“Ukraine and Moldova are now candidates to join our Union. And today, we propose to grant candidate status to Bosnia and Herzegovina. We have recognised Georgia’s European perspective, too. The wind of change is once again blowing through Europe.

Just like in the 1970s, when Spain, Portugal and Greece chose democracy. Or when freedom fighters tore down the Berlin Wall. Of course, it is up to candidate countries to reform their economies and their institutions and advance towards our Union. But it is our responsibility to support them in every possible way. This is Europe’s moment. And it is up to us to seize this moment,” she said.

According to the EC President, the EU and its neighbouring countries face the same challenges: Russian aggression, energy insecurity, climate change and threats to open societies. There is “an urgent need” to work with all partners.