TBILISI, Georgia

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's belief in EU membership by 2030 underscores the prioritization of integration in the bloc in the country’s foreign policy.

Kobakhidze's message on Europe Day highlights the commitment to overcoming challenges in EU-Georgia relations, with EU membership as a core foreign policy objective.

Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, said in a statement: "We want Georgia with its unique culture and traditions, to become part of our European Union family. Stay on the EU path! And rest assured we are by your side on this journey.”

"The goal is for Georgia to become a full member of the European Union with all the privileges and all responsibilities of membership.

"For this, Georgia needs to demonstrate a strong commitment to EU values and deliver necessary reforms," he added.

Since regaining independence post-Soviet Union dissolution, Georgia has steadily fostered relations with European nations, culminating in the signing of a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in 1996 and visa liberalization for Georgians in 2017.

Georgia's application for EU membership in 2022 and subsequent candidate status in 2023 signify significant strides toward closer EU ties.

*Alperen Aktas contributed to the story from Istanbul