“European security should be the number one strategic issue for any European politician today, due to Russia’s aggressive policy and the geopolitical challenges we face. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the EU’s biggest enlargement, which widened the space of peace and stability in Europe. We have always been focusing on the transformative power of the EU and its enlargement policy, but it has a much bigger importance and role today,” Maka Botchorishvili, the Chair of the European Integration Committee, stated at the meeting of the Foreign Committee Chairs of the EU Member States (COSAC).

As Botchorishvili said the enlargement is the key strategic geopolitical topic related to the future of the EU, and everything must be done for the success of this policy.

“Today, Georgia, together with Western Balkan countries, Ukraine and Moldova, is the EU candidate country. We have achieved undeniable, significant progress in advancing key structural reforms throughout last decade, in the process of association with the EU. Georgia proved to be a reliable partner for the EU, by not just benefiting from its Common Security and Defense policy but also by contributing to it.

Currently, we are focused on addressing 9 steps defined by the European Union, and we are committed to continuing the positive dynamics of aligning with the EU’s Foreign and security policy despite obvious risks and immense security challenges we are facing due to the continuous Russian occupation of Georgian regions. An individual approach is necessary, but possibilities for all candidate countries should be similar. Accession negotiations should be launched with all candidate countries without any delay. We all need effective mechanisms for integration and the removal of existing barriers, where possible, to accelerate the process of economic and political integration of candidate countries into the European Union as soon as possible,” Botchorishvili declared.