Ioan Mihalcea: Realistic horizon for Georgia’s full integration into EU would be around 2028-2030

Ioan Mihalcea, Deputy Chairman of the Romanian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee said he had a “very interesting and friendly” meeting with Levan Makhashvili, Chairman of the European Integration Committee, and Nikoloz Samkharadze, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Georgian Parliament.

Mihalcea noted that the parties had “the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the internal economic and political situation in Georgia, as well as how the government is pragmatically approaching its steady and firm path towards EU integration.”

“It was also an excellent opportunity to reiterate the strong bilateral relationship between our countries and Romania’s continuous support for Georgia’s integration into the EU.

Additionally, we had an engaging exchange of views regarding cooperation on security matters, particularly concerning the Black Sea region. Both parties, particularly on the Romanian side, expressed their conviction about the effectiveness and success of parliamentary diplomacy in benefiting both Romania and Georgia,” he asserted.

Asked about Georgia’s future membership in the EU, Mihalcea said “EU membership is a key goal for the Georgian government. However, this can only be achieved steadily.”

“From a Georgian perspective, there are certain criteria from the acquis that must first be accomplished, alongside economic considerations, before making decisive strides toward EU integration. A realistic horizon for the full integration of Georgia into the EU would be around 2028-2030. Of course, it could happen earlier, and we in Romania are hopeful that it will be at the earliest opportunity for Georgia,” he declared.

As for the question of whether 2030 is a realistic target for opening the door to EU membership, Ioan Mihalcea answered “While it may be wishful thinking on our part, I believe it is a realistic goal. Five years is a significant period in diplomacy, especially if the regional and international context remains positive. I genuinely think it is achievable.”