On February 20, the eighth meeting of the EU-Georgia Association Council took place in Brussels, marking the first such meeting since Georgia was designated an EU candidate country. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze led the Georgian delegation, while Josep Borrell headed the EU delegation. 

This meeting underscored a new strategic phase in EU-Georgia relations, necessitating heightened efforts towards reform from all sectors of Georgian society, including its government, opposition, and civil society, as highlighted by HR/VP Borrell during a subsequent joint press conference featuring statements from Borrell, Kobakhidze, and EU Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi.

Borrell emphasized three critical messages for Georgia: the urgency of reform implementation, the foundational role of shared values and principles in the EU, and the significance of the forthcoming year as a pivotal moment for Georgian democracy, particularly in light of upcoming parliamentary elections. He affirmed the EU's dedication to Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and strengthening defense and security cooperation.

More concretely, he focused on the need to implement the nine steps of the European Commission and noted that it is important for everyone to be involved in this process and take decisive steps to reduce political tensions. Borrell also called on Georgia to complete all recommendations of the Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR to ensure free, fair, and competitive parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze reflected on the historic achievement of EU candidate status for Georgia, emphasizing the strategic partnership's significance and Georgia's commitment to European democratic values. He outlined Georgia's actions and future plans in alignment with the EU, expressing appreciation for the EU's support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Commissioner Várhelyi discussed the tangible benefits of candidate status for Georgia, urging accelerated reform efforts, particularly judicial reform, to progress to accession negotiations. He highlighted the EU's significant investment in Georgia, emphasizing energy, transport, and digital connectivity projects that underscore the deepening relationship between the EU and Georgia, including the landmark Black Sea connectivity projects. Várhelyi also pointed to progress in integrating Georgia into the European roaming and single European payment areas, marking significant steps towards closer integration with the EU.

This meeting and the subsequent press conference illustrated the dynamic and evolving relationship between the EU and Georgia, marked by a mutual commitment to deepening ties and advancing Georgia's path towards EU accession.