Rejection of EU Candidate Status Will Be a Loss for Georgia and Victory for Russia: Zurabishvili

Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, in an exclusive interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Prague, stated that any potential rejection of Georgia's candidacy for European Union membership would signify a loss for Georgia and a victory for Russia.

According to the president, such a rejection would lead to significant disappointment among the people, while simultaneously bringing great satisfaction to the Russian leadership. “Russia will believe that Georgia remains in a grey zone,” said Zurabishvili, also noting that this would mean for the Kremlin that “Georgia is a territory that can be played with.”

The issue of the EU's enlargement will be discussed at the EU summit scheduled for December 14-15 in Brussels. It is anticipated that Georgia may be granted candidate status, which was denied in 2022. Furthermore, Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia-Herzegovina may be allowed to initiate membership negotiations.