The European Union’s door is open and we want to support you on the way, but I have to say also that EU application is a serious commitment that candidate status is not something that countries are entitled to. Such a statement the EU High Representative/Vice-President, Josep Borrell made at a press point in Tbilisi.

“Georgia is an important partner for the EU, and this is a crucial time for your future. The nation should use the short remaining time to address the key reforms and requirements.

Because in a few weeks, the EU will consider the next steps in Georgia’s accession to the EU path, and for the first time, the important Georgia progress as an enlargement country I want to be very clear in that important moment, the EU door is open to Georgia and EU is committed to support Georgia on its path towards EU membership.

To be frank, there is still quite a bit of work to be done. In Georgia’s case, these are the 12 priorities that need to be fulfilled, as set out in European Commission opinion, and the hard work delivering on these 12 priorities is not to please Brussels, it’s not to make people happy in Brussels, or to member states of the EU, ultimately, is to improve the lives of the Georgian citizens, living up to the overwhelming EU aspirations of the Georgia people.

I see a lot of EU flags on the streets of this city and you know that 80% of the Georgian people support being a member of the EU.

Let me express my appreciation to all those who stand up for the European future for Georgia, Accession is a national task, all actors need to work together constructively, and united, unity is more important than ever”, - said Josep Borrell.