"While Ukraine and Moldova are moving forward, Georgia has ended up in a complete deadlock and isolation. We have effectively lost all the historic opportunities that were available to us," said Grigol Gegelia, Foreign Secretary of the Lelo - Strong Georgia coalition, commenting on the European Union's decision to open the sixth cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova.

According to Gegelia, Georgia has become "an isolated laggard state that, under the current policies, no longer has any prospects."

"While Ukraine and Moldova are moving forward and a new door has opened for them in the very important national process that will lead them toward greater peace and prosperity and ultimately make European integration possible, Georgia has found itself in a complete deadlock and isolation.

We have effectively lost all the historic opportunities that were available to us. We have lost billions of euros in potential funding, the opportunity to reform our state and public institutions, and the chance to become part of the civilized world and belong to that family. This affects economic progress, the standard of living of every Georgian citizen, and the very essence, identity, and future of our country.

Instead of taking advantage of this opportunity, becoming more prosperous, moving forward, and taking practical steps toward joining a genuine area of peace and security, this regime has turned us into an isolated laggard state that has no prospects under its current policies," Gegelia said.

For reference, the European Union has opened the sixth cluster of accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova as part of their EU membership process.