Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the issue of negotiations concerning the country’s EU membership will not be used as a means of blackmail. He emphasized that Georgia does not face significant risks and expressed confidence that negotiations will eventually be initiated.

“As soon as the difficulties facing the region pass and the war in Ukraine concludes, approaches will immediately change, and the situation in Georgia today, in terms of the economy, democracy, and other areas, will be positively evaluated,” Kobakhidze noted.

He explained that while Ukraine and Moldova are experiencing different political and economic challenges, “if any country is getting as close as possible to the European Union, it is Georgia.”

He highlighted the contrasting situations in these two countries.

“Unfortunately, the situation in Ukraine is different. In Moldova, it is different as well. Both politically and economically, and from the perspective of democracy and corruption, they are moving further away from the European Union,” the PM stated.

According to Kobakhidze, Georgia is achieving a process of qualitative convergence.

In terms of progress, he asserted, “In content, Georgia is getting closer to the standards required for joining the European Union.”

The Prime Minister mentioned that the country’s economy has advanced significantly.

“During these three years, we enhanced Moldova’s economy by about nine billion,” PM noted.

He highlighted that economic growth is one of the principal factors for joining the EU and pointed out Georgia’s maintenance of peace, which reflects the introduction of transparency – one of the core European values.

“We implement European standards as much as possible, and we are making consistent progress in all aspects. In the end, this progress will certainly be acknowledged,” Kobakhidze added.

The PM acknowledged that small political manoeuvres had previously affected Georgia’s candidate status.

“There were some minor games that led to our not receiving candidate status in 2022, but we ultimately attained it in 2023. If similar tactics arise, negotiations will take place not this year, but then next year. However, the subject of negotiations is not suitable for blackmail. Consequently, our country does not have substantial risks, and negotiations will inevitably commence,” the PM stated.

Looking ahead, Kobakhidze predicted, “By 2030, if any country is prepared to join the European Union, it will be Georgia among the candidate nations.”

Kobakhidze confidently asserted that Georgia is leading in terms of democracy, free enterprise, and the fight against corruption compared to other candidate countries.

“The most democratic elections are conducted in Georgia; business is the freest here, and it is also the least corrupt among candidate countries. This is the critical factor, not merely statements that may vary by the political landscape. The essential issue is how well the country is organized in terms of substance, and Georgia is the most organized among the candidate nations.

As soon as the regional difficulties are resolved, and the war in Ukraine ends, the approaches will change, and Georgia’s current conditions, economically, democratically, and in other respects, will be promptly evaluated,” the Prime Minister stated.

When asked about the likelihood of negotiations regarding Georgia’s EU membership commencing this year, Kobakhidze replied, “Anything is possible. It is a political matter. It may occur this year; it may happen next year. In any case, our benchmark is 2030, and I am confident that by 2030, it is absolutely feasible for Georgia to join the European Union.”