The Prime Minister of Georgia said today that if the European Union did not grant the country the membership candidate status this year, the decision would be “another strategic mistake” on the part of the bloc.

In his speech at the Georgian Parliament to present the annual report on the work of the Government, Irakli Garibashvili noted the status was “symbolic” but also “important” for the next stage of the country’s EU integration.

“Our European colleagues openly and loudly said that Georgia will become a member of the European family. We have not heard such a loud statement in the last 30 years. This, it can be said, is really a great achievement and appreciation of our team’s work, which certainly needs due recognition.

Of course, the status is symbolic, but definitely important for the next stage. As you know, our team did their best for everything. In my meetings, I am persuading our European colleagues and friends that if they do not grant [Georgia] the candidate status, it will be another strategic mistake on the part of the European Union.

Our country, our people, our government simply do not deserve this. We have proven over the last 10 years that we are a truly results-oriented government that delivers real concrete results for our citizens.

I want to tell you that almost the absolute majority of colleagues share the arguments presented by us”, - said the Prime Minister.

As he added, 11 out of the 12 conditions set by the European Commission for granting the country the status had been fulfilled, and said he hoped the country would receive the status by the end of the year.