Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili discussed the current situation and the latest developments in Georgia at the meeting with European Commission Director General for Neighbourhood & Enlargement Negotiations, Gert Jan Koopman.

The President remarked that the EU candidate country status gave hope and stimulus to the Georgian people, which fights for the country’s European future and, amid challenges, need the support of European partners and friends.

According to Salome Zourabichvili, Russia applies all resources to obstruct Georgia’s European path, adding that the October 2024 parliamentary elections have a pivotal significance and the participation of youngsters and diaspora is decisive.

The President highlighted the significance of holding the elections in a stable and peaceful environment for the Georgian people to elect Georgia’s European future.

President Zourabichvili discussed the European Platform, an action plan for political parties to implement institutional reforms and begin negotiations for EU accession after elections.

The war in Ukraine, regional security threats, and the situation across Georgia’s occupied regions were reviewed at the meeting.

Gert Jan Koopman noted that the EU is deeply concerned about the ongoing process in Georgia and the government’s move to re-introduce the bill on Transparency of Foreign Influence.

The EC representative stated that passing the bill would hamper Georgia’s EU integration process.

According to Gert Jan Koopman, the European Union would discuss a new phase of enlargement in June. Therefore, it was extremely important for the Georgian government to become constructive and not damage the country’s European integration aspirations.

“The President of Georgia emphasized the unanimity of the Georgian people regarding Georgia’s European integration and called on the partners to continue their firm support of the Georgian people on the way to Europe,” reads the information released by the Presidential Administration.