The President of Georgia presented an annual report to the Parliament.

“Today, I am not standing at the podium of the Parliament for the last time, but I am standing at this podium for the first time as the President of the EU candidate country. Congratulations to everyone on this significant achievement! We have succeeded!” – said Salome Zourabichvili during her annual report on the most important issues of the state of the country.

The President paid special attention to the results achieved by Georgia on the path of European integration. According to her, despite the challenges, Georgia has maintained stability and unwavering pro-Europeanism.

“Society did not give up; it fought and protected its future. The determination of the people has shown to everyone, both inside and outside, that our aspiration to be European is well-founded, and the spirit of the Georgian people remains steadfast in pursuing this goal. Our society has become convinced that it possesses the strength to achieve its objectives. We witnessed our free, European youth, and their unique role in shaping the country’s future was emphasized, making them a source of hope and strength”, - said Salome Zourabichvili.

As she noted, granting candidate status is a new opportunity for the country’s future. It offers a chance to enhance security and independence. Moreover, she believes that by becoming a European and democratic state, we can encourage young people to stay in the country and attract back the diaspora.

“The European family has no alternative when it comes to protecting our identity, culture, and values. Russification is not an alternative; we have already experienced it. This memory remains vivid within us. Some of our smaller Caucasian brother nations tragically experienced a similar path, and today, they are considered extinct. The Abkhazian language, culture, and identity face a fatal threat along this path. Europe is a space where free nations, with their many languages, minorities, regions, diverse cultures, and identities, are safeguarded through equality and the rule of law”, - said Salome Zourabichvili.

The President addressed the representatives of both the majority and the opposition from the podium and emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus on the country"s main priorities in order to achieve the European goal. Salome Zourabichvili also spoke to the general public and citizens in the diaspora, urging them to actively participate in shaping the future of the country.

According to her, to achieve the European model, it is crucial to implement the 9 recommendations of the European Commission and carry out significant reforms in the country. The President also mentioned that she will establish a coordination center to consolidate all specific proposals regarding European priorities.

“As it has been before, at all stages of my political journey, my role will remain unchanged: I will stand as a guardian of independence, nationalism, democracy, and the European future. Both today and tomorrow, I will vehemently oppose any attempts to return to the Soviet and Russian past and to sabotage European opportunities”, - Salome Zourabichvili stated.

After the President’s annual report, the floor is given to the heads of parliamentary political groups and factions.