“We aspire to join the European Union with dignity, peace, and prosperity. The October 28 decision reiterates the slogan with which the Georgian people elected us on October 26,” stated Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during a press conference.

According to the Prime Minister, nothing has changed, as the Georgian government “continues to fight” on its path toward EU accession.

“Dignity means that when Moldova is granted EU candidate country status and Georgia is denied, we must stand firm in our convictions. Shutting down television stations and banning political parties represents Moldova’s so-called progress. Moldova has left no room for media or political pluralism and remains a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Moldova has not imposed sanctions on Russia, and corruption thrives there, making it one of the most corrupt countries in Europe.

In contrast, Georgia is doing everything possible to meet its commitments on the path to European integration. We continue to work diligently to fulfil the obligations outlined in the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). In fact, by 2028, we expect to have fulfilled more than 90% of our obligations in both areas. This is the way of Georgia, and perhaps some people may once again try to compare our country with Moldova,” he explained.

On October 28, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that the government will not “place the issue of opening accession negotiations with the EU on the agenda until the end of 2028. We will also reject any budgetary grants from the EU until that time. By the end of 2028, Georgia will be economically prepared to initiate negotiations for EU membership in 2030.”