The process of Georgia's accession to the European Union has been temporarily stopped, said the EU Ambassador to Georgia Pavel Gerchinsky. He told reporters to freeze 30 million euros that were intended to support the Georgian defense sphere during a two-day International Conference on EU Extension-Geopolitical Need and Further Steps for EU Candidates in Tbilisi.
Herchinsky stressed that freezing funds is only an initial measure, and that the direct assistance of the Georgia government will be reduced, with the accession to the support of civil society and the media. He also noted that Georgia's accession to the EU has now been suspended, which was confirmed by EU leaders after the European Council summit.
"I cannot imagine that Georgia will take steps this year, as the European Union leaders have decided to freeze the entry process. Now they are waiting for Georgia's government," Gerchinsky emphasized, adding that the uncertainty about the further expansion of the EU into Georgia remains.
Georgia's integration into the EU also remains a topical topic. In May, more than 30 MEPs of the European Parliament were called on to deprive Georgia as a candidate for entry into the EU because of the actions of power contrary to the principles of democracy. At this time, Georgian Remiere Irakliy Kobakhidze declared plans to return Abkhazia and South Ossetia to the country's jurisdiction and expressed his hope for joining the EU by 2030, marking it as a Georgian dream.
