During a joint press conference with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, emphasized Georgia’s strong commitment to its European path and the implementation of the action plan outlined in the European Commission’s 2023 action plan.

Kobakhidze expressed the government’s determination to maintain close coordination with the European Commission and other services on key agenda points to advance to new phases.

“Our immediate goal is to open accession talks. The discussions during the Council included Georgia’s economic performance and its prospects of integration into the EU single market,” Kobakhidze stated.

He reiterated Georgia’s commitment to successful reforms, economic resilience, and growth, emphasizing the importance of Georgia’s EU integration.

“We remain committed to continuing successful reforms. This will boost our economic resilience and accelerate growth, which is essentially important for Georgia’s EU integration. In this regard, we welcome the ongoing work to draft, in close cooperation with the Commission, the priorities action plan, which will lead us towards the economic integration of the EU,” he stated.

Kobakhidze also highlighted Georgia’s role as a reliable ally and partner in the region. He mentioned ongoing discussions on major economic and connectivity projects that would benefit the region and Europe.

“Georgia remains a reliable ally and partner for the European Union in the region marked with significant challenges, and we aim to contribute to regional peace, stability, democratic progress and collaboration,” he declared.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of the conflicts for stability and progress in Georgia and the region, aligning with collective goals for European prosperity.

“Peace will enable us to bring greater stability and progress to Georgia and the region, facilitating our collective goals for the prosperity of Europe,” Kobakhidze added.