On November 6, the delegation of Special Representatives of the European Union and Member States for the Eastern Partnership began its visit to Georgia.

Meeting with the Prime Minister

On the same day, Irakli Garibashvili, the Prime Minister of Georgia, met the Special Envoys. The meeting held within the Government Administration was focused on the European integration of Georgia and the progress achieved by the country towards this end.

The Prime Minister of Georgia highlighted the importance of the Eastern Partnership and thereby noted that it has been a strong mechanism since its establishment for Georgia to make sure that it succeeds in continuing the EU integration process, close economic approximation with the EU, and attainment of tangible progress towards this end. According to Irakli Garibashvili, the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) and visa-free travel arrangement, and intensified cooperation in the areas of security, energy, and transport are the tangible results achieved by Georgia on its road to European integration.

Dirk Schuebel, EU Special Envoy working on Eastern Partnership, noted that in terms of future steps, both - Ukraine and Moldova - as well as Georgia, may still benefit from the Eastern Partnership. 

The Head of Government of Georgia discussed the implementation dynamics with the Special Envoys of the European Union and EU Member States in view of 12 recommendations, thereby noting that Georgia has made progress in all these directions. The Prime Minister of Georgia also noted that the government has done its best to meet the recommendations. Irakli Garibashvili expressed hope that Georgia's efforts in implementing the recommended 12 priorities will be properly reflected in the European Commission's report and that it will recommend granting Georgia the status of an EU candidate country.

The head of the Government of Georgia noted, "The visit of almost 20 representatives of the EU Member States at a decisive time is a clear demonstration of EU support towards the European future of Georgia." According to him, the country has leading positions on its path to European integration, evidenced in the reports already published by the EU. Irakli Garibashvili expressed his gratitude to the Special Envoys of the European Union and EU Member States for supporting Georgia's European future.

Meeting with Foreign Minister

Moreover, Ilia Darchiashvili, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, held a meeting with the delegation of special representatives of the European Union and member states for Eastern Partnership as well. 

The main issue discussed at the meeting was the format of the Eastern Partnership and its future development. The Minister informed the members of the EU delegation about the implementation of the European Commission's 12 recommendations. Discussions focused on the role the European Union plays in the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict through the EU Monitoring Mission, co-chairing of the Geneva International Discussions, and the policy of non-recognition and engagement. The ьinister expressed the hope that Georgia's efforts will be properly assessed, European partners will make a historic decision, and Georgia will be granted candidate status this year.

In this context, Ilia Darchiashvili paid particular attention to the importance of support from the EU member states. The ambassadors welcomed granting Georgia a European perspective and Georgia’s progress achieved on the path of European integration. The participants of the meeting emphasized the importance of continuing the European transformation and modernization process for the successful implementation of the ambitious agenda of Georgia's rapprochement with the European Union.