Shalva Papuashvili: we sat the European skepticism replaced by the pragmatic EU enlargement policy; all three countries demonstrated their support for our EU integration
“We served almost a 10-day visit within the Parliamentary Delegation – to Germany, Netherlands and Luxemburg. When we are in the course of the fulfillment of the EU recommendations, this step directed to the enhancement of our bilateral relations was paramount in terms to enjoy the positive decision concerning Georgia to be made by 27 EU member states”, - the Speaker, Shalva Papuashvili stated.
He summed up the visit to Germany, the Kingdom of Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxemburg.
The Speaker introduced the messages expressed by the partners at high-level meetings.
“We may emphasize certain issues. So-called skepticism that was characterized for some EU member states is now replaced by the will to develop a pragmatic EU enlargement policy. All three countries demonstrated their support to our EU integration and we felt that now, the EU needs to envision itself as a geopolitical actor. The EU integration means not only the integration to the EU structures but close relations with the EU member states and thus, it is crucial to bring our parliamentary relations to a new, close and intensive stage. We agreed with the Parliaments of all three countries on the exchange of information at the Committee level concerning the relevant issues that are left beyond the general policy, is it environment, education or other spheres”, - Shalva Papuashvili noted.
According to him, now, it is crucial to ensure the consolidation of society and political forces around the common goal – full-fledged EU membership of Georgia.
“Now, it is crucial for our society and political leaders to get united for the achievement of our common goal – EU membership. The status and negotiations are parts of this wider process. Our key objective is to become an EU member state, and it is a long path and requires us to take wise steps for our full-fledged EU membership. This path implies that Georgia shall develop economically and institutionally, shall maintain stability and serve as one of the security models in the region”, - the Speaker stated.
