Georgia should receive candidate status, but it is extremely important that the remaining time till the end of the year is used to make as much progress as possible on the 12 priorities. Such a statement made today the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia.

“It’s a key moment for Georgia. Georgia is at crossroads when it comes to EU integration. This is why it is extremely important that the dialogue between Georgia and 27 EU member states is as intensive as possible. I welcome and support the outreach of Georgian authorities to the capitals of 27 EU member states and all the visits of high officials from EU member states to Georgia. It is very important that this dialogue is as intensive as possible in order to make sure that 27 member states will take a correct decision at the end of the year, when it comes to further steps on Georgia’s path towards EU membership.

As you know, at the moment the European Commission is drafting a report, first ever enlargement report for Georgia. This report will be published in October. It will include recommendations and then 27 leaders of EU member states at the highest political level, 27 presidents and prime ministers, will meet at the end of the year and they will decide what next steps should be taken when it comes to Georgia’s application to join the EU.

My personal opinion, since you ask, is that Georgia should receive candidate status, but it is extremely important that the remaining time till the end of the year is used to make as much progress as possible on the 12 priorities. And it is also very important that the good news are coming out of Georgia”, - said Pawel Herczynski.