We decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the EU on the agenda until the end of 2028. Such a statement made today the Prime Minister of Georgia.

“We also refuse any budgetary grants from the EU until the end of 2028. By the end of 2028, we will be adequately economically prepared to begin negotiations for EU membership in 2030. We are not stopping and will continue to meet our commitments outlined in the Association Agenda and Free Trade Agreement, and as specified in our government program, we aim to fulfil over 90 per cent of these obligations by 2028, entirely through our own funding, without EU assistance. Our goal is to join the EU not through begging but through dignity, with a robust democracy and strong economy.

We will continue moving towards the EU, yet we will not accept a state of permanent manipulation or blackmail, which is deeply offensive to our nation and people. We believe today’s decision will significantly contribute to improving relations between Georgia and the EU.

We must convey to European politicians and bureaucrats lacking in European values that they must engage with Georgia respectfully, not through blackmail or insults. Using the topic of negotiations to divide society and manipulate is detrimental to the EU’s reputation in Georgia. Our decision today will prevent the EU from this reputational damage in the future.

In conclusion, we want to boldly reiterate that by 2030, Georgia will be more prepared for EU membership than any other candidate country. Georgia will become an EU member state only through peace, dignity, and prosperity. This is a promise we intend to fulfil for the Georgian people”, - concluded Irakli Kobakhidze.