Georgia’s rapprochement with the European Union is in the interest of the bloc itself the EU must keep the countries aspiring for membership close. Such a statement made today Denmark’s Foreign Minister.

Lars Løkke Rasmussen in his address at the University of Copenhagen, noted the bloc must support the European choice of Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, and the steps taken by them in their European integration process.

The top Danish diplomat stressed the progress of the Associated Trio countries and their rapprochement with the European Union was in the interest of the bloc itself.

“If we don’t help these countries achieve their goals, others will intervene - internal or external forces that are closer to Russia"s influence.

EU accession is a time-bound process that may take 5, 10 or even 15 years, but we must keep these countries close.

I am not saying that Georgia will become a member of the European Union tomorrow, despite the fact that this country has done a lot in terms of reforms and decisions. It should also be noted that, in reality, Georgia was much further ahead than Ukraine when the war began. It means internal processes in the country, reforms, state institutions, anti-corruption environment and others”, - said Rasmussen.