At a press conference on the implementation of European recommendations on July 4, Georgian Dream Chairman Irakli Kobakhidze said that the requirement that 12 priorities must be fulfilled 100% for Georgia to be granted the candidate status was not put forward by anyone - the political risks are quite high.

Kobakhidze thinks that the choice the European Commission should make in December regarding Georgia is political. "If Georgia is not given candidate status, Kobakhidze responds that it will send a bad signal to the rest of the world," he said.

"It was a bad signal last June as well. Even this year, if we theoretically allow such a decision, it will be a bad signal. Therefore, I really hope, in this case, a positive signal will be sent to all relevant subjects - both for friends and ill-wishers. As for whether the decision made in December will be political or not, it is certainly political in its content. Naturally, a detailed report of the European Commission will be presented first. I would also like to remind you that full fulfillment of all 12 points is not even required to be granted candidate status. Ukraine and Moldova were already granted last year, they were also given similar points, and it was said that there was about 75% non-compliance with the points, but they have already been granted the status. The requirement that 12 priorities must be fulfilled 100% for Georgia to be granted the candidate status was not put forward by anyone; despite this, we have followed all 12 points in as much detail as possible. Our task was to create the maximum basis for granting candidate status, but the decision will be political. The risk is the following - there are 27 countries, and all 27 must make this decision with full consensus. It is enough for one country to stand aside that we will not be granted the status of a candidate. Political risks are quite high. Let's hope that, unlike last June, a fair decision will be made this year," the official added.

When asked how the administration would inform the populace if Georgia weren't given candidate status, Kobakhidze explained. Kobakhidze claimed that explaining it would be challenging. "Theoretically, it will be challenging to explain to the general public if we permit this possibility. The public was also dissatisfied in June of last year, so if it happens again in December, it will unavoidably disappoint the public. We must take into account every factor that might affect this potential choice. Political hazards exist. I'm hoping that Georgia will be given favorable consideration and that we will be given candidate status," Kobakhidze stated.

Kobakhidze said, "If Oliver Várhelyi's claim that Georgia has only completed three suggestions is inconsistent with Georgian Dream's perspective on the matter, that what has been done so far is what could be done. If you look at the recommendations regarding the electoral system, we are told that the legislation is good, but enforcement is needed in practice. Finally, we agree on the assessment. That is, the legislation has been approved, and therefore we declare that what could be done up until now has been done - the legislation has been developed. The same applies to the reform of the regulation - the regulation has been improved, but as to why are they telling us that it is not fully implemented - because all this should be implemented in practice."