Ireland is in favor of European enlargement, including for aspirations of European Union membership of Georgia, which needs help and support and solidarity. Such a statement made the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Simon Coveney made the remark to Senator Gary Gannon during hearings held within the Irish Parliament’s Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence.

“Georgia is a relatively small country but in a very strategic part of Europe. The decision of the European Council to not grant Georgia the EU membership status outright is not seen within the bloc as closing the door for the country.

The decision is actually seen as opening the door to Georgia by clarifying what reforms are expected from the country in order to be eligible for the candidate status.

The accession process is difficult and sometimes prolonged but I hope at least following the decision of the last EU Council meeting there will at least be clarity in terms of what they need to do to take next steps”, - said the Minister.