On September 7, Joseph Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized the EU's support for Georgia's EU membership, emphasizing that the EU is committed to assisting Georgia in pursuing EU membership and that its door is open to Georgia. 

"Georgia is an important partner for the EU. This is a crucial time for your future since the EU will consider the next steps on Georgia's EU accession path and, for the first time, the report on Georgia's progress as an enlargement country in a matter of weeks," he added. He said, "Applying to the EU is a serious commitment that candidate status is not something that nations are entitled to; it needs to be won via meaningful reforms and adherence to EU ideals. And, to be really honest, there is still a lot of work to be done." The High Representative emphasized the significance of putting the 12 EU priorities into action and that the difficult work required to do so is not done to appease Brussels or the other EU member states but rather to improve the lives of the Georgian citizens, leaving up to the overwhelming aspirations of the Georgian people whose overwhelming majority supports EU membership.

In addition, he discussed the EU's strong cooperation with Georgia in the areas of defense and security, emphasizing in particular the EU's contribution of €60 million through the European Peace Facility instrument to increase the capacity and resilience of the Georgian Defense Forces. Additionally, he acknowledged Georgia's significant support to EU CFSP missions.

Meeting with Foreign Minister

On September 8, Ilia Darchiashvili, Georgia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, met with Joseph Borrell.

At the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to Georgia joining the European Union, including the strategic importance of granting Georgia candidate status at the end of the year. Both sides emphasized the strong and dynamic partnership between Georgia and the European Union based on common values.

At the meeting, Joseph Borrell once again emphasized that Georgia is an important partner for the European Union, and the mentioned visit is a clear confirmation of the unwavering support of the European Union. He unequivocally emphasized that the door of the European Union is open for Georgia as a future member, and it is important for the country to continue the course of reforms.

Minister Ilia Darchiashvili confirmed to the high representative of the European Union the strong readiness of the Georgian government to carry out all the reforms necessary for joining the European Union. He provided comprehensive information regarding the progress achieved in fulfilling the 12 priorities of the European Commission.

At the meeting, the importance of the development of connectivity between Georgia and the European Union on the Black Sea was also discussed. In this context, the strategic function of Georgia with the development of alternative routes to solve the challenges of Europe's energy and food security was highlighted.

At the meeting, an important emphasis was placed on the grave situation created in terms of security and human rights in the occupied regions of Georgia. The parties noted the active role of the European Union in the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, including the successful operation of the European Union monitoring mission, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in Georgia this year. Borrell once again emphasized the unwavering support of the European Union to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia.

Meeting with the Georgian Prime Minister

On the same day, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili held an extended-format meeting with Josep Borrell.

At the meeting, the parties focused on all key directions of the partnership between Georgia and the EU, emphasizing the process of Georgia's accession to the EU.

Hope was expressed that the EU would duly appreciate Georgia's efforts and that another important step on Georgia's path toward European integration would be taken by granting the candidate status to the country. The process of implementation of the Association Agreement, including the DCFTA, was commended as promoting Georgia’s institutional, legislative, and sectoral alignment with the EU and considerably preparing the country for EU membership. The parties welcomed the dynamic of high-level cooperation with the EU, including the decision to hold the next meeting of the Georgia-EU Association Council on December 7, 2023.

Particular attention at the meeting was paid to Georgia's important geostrategic role in the diversification of energy corridors and transit capabilities between Europe and Asia. In this regard, projects carried out with Georgia's engagement were commended, those designed to tap into the full potential of the Black Sea included. Attention at the meeting was paid to the regional security environment and the EU’s important role in the process of ensuring peace and stability.

The Georgian side briefed the High Representative on the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories and the country’s peace policy, also praising the performance of the EU Monitoring Mission on the ground.

The conversation also touched on the cooperation between Georgia and the EU across a variety of areas. Global projects with Georgia's engagement were commended, again underscoring Georgia's strategic importance to the EU.