Georgia’s PM Predicts EU Accession Talks Will Resume in 2025

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Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has expressed optimism that the European Union will likely resume accession negotiations with Georgia in 2025. In an interview with Georgia’s Public Broadcaster, Kobakhidze acknowledged that talks would not commence this year but emphasized that the process should begin next year, particularly if the war in Ukraine concludes.

“I don’t think it will happen this year, but with a high degree of certainty, negotiations will start next year, especially since the war in Ukraine will likely be over by then,” Kobakhidze stated, The Caspian Post reports, citing foreign media.

The Prime Minister also emphasised that foreign partners must respect Georgia’s independence and sovereignty, and that the Georgian government would continue to defend the country against any attempts of excessive interference in its internal affairs.

“Our pre-election slogan was: ‘Only with peace, dignity, and prosperity towards Europe.’ Dignity was one of the key words here. If you don’t conduct your policies with dignity, you certainly won’t be able to defend your national interests properly,” Kobakhidze explained.

He stressed that it is important to uphold principles and stand firm when foreign politicians or bureaucrats attempt to meddle in the nation’s internal matters. Kobakhidze cited the demand for sanctions against Russia as an example, warning that such measures would cripple Georgia’s economy by at least 10% in the first year, leading to a disastrous situation for the country.

“For the country, for the people, for society, this would be a huge catastrophe. Such interference is unacceptable. We will defend ourselves from any attempts of excessive intervention in the future,” Kobakhidze added.

While recognising the importance of partnerships and friendships, the Prime Minister reiterated that all foreign actors must respect Georgia’s sovereignty.

Kobakhidze further underscored that the “reset” of relations with the West remains a top priority for Georgia’s foreign policy. He believes that the resolution of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine could play a role in normalising these relations, with the possibility of progress within the coming months.

“The reset of relations with the United States and the European Union remains our main priority,” he affirmed, although he refrained from providing further details on the process.

The Prime Minister indicated that significant results in improving ties with the West would be visible soon, with the completion of the war in Ukraine potentially marking a turning point for Georgia's diplomatic efforts.