Maka Botchorishvili: The fact that Euronews places a special emphasis on enlargement policy and has invited Georgia indicates an interest in Brussels to hear from Georgia - this was a good opportunity for the Prime Minister
According to Maka Botchorishvili—who serves as Georgia’s Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs—the event organized by Euronews in Brussels, dedicated to the European Union’s enlargement policy, served as a significant opportunity for Georgia to once again demonstrate its readiness for dialogue and open discussion with the EU.
"When Euronews places a special emphasis on enlargement policy and Georgia is invited, it is significant; it indicates that there is an interest in Brussels—an interest within the European Union—to, in a sense, hear from Georgia. This was, of course, a good opportunity for the Prime Minister of Georgia; the invitation allowed us to participate in an event dedicated to the topic of EU enlargement, organized by Euronews," stated Maka Botchorishvili.
According to her, the Georgian side articulated the country's position regarding the importance of dialogue with the European Union and its readiness to engage in open discussions on all issues.
"We need an open dialogue with the European Union concerning all matters that the EU might perceive as problematic. Therefore, it was significant that the Georgian side once again underscored its commitment to openness and its readiness to engage in dialogue with the EU on any issue that may be on the agenda of our bilateral relations," noted Maka Botchorishvili.
Maka Botchorishvili also addressed the upcoming report on Georgia to be presented by the European Commission. According to her, the Georgian side has provided the European Union with all the necessary information for the preparation of the report; however, it remains unclear how this information will be utilized and reflected in the document.
"I can only offer a preliminary assessment regarding expectations based on the facts of the past year; naturally, however, it is difficult to make any definitive assessments before the report is actually published. In general, the way the dialogue process between Georgia and the EU has unfolded does not, in itself, allow for objective evaluations. Without a proper dialogue, making such assessments becomes challenging. We have, of course, provided the EU with all the information they required to prepare the report, but it is not yet clear how this information will be incorporated or used within the report itself or in its conclusions," noted Maka Botchorishvili.
Botchorishvili emphasized that it is crucial to determine the extent to which the European Union is prepared to objectively evaluate the progress achieved by Georgia and to foster a relationship with the country grounded in real information and dialogue.
