Expert: Only way to preserve Georgia's sovereignty to stay closer to West Lasha Markozashvili on Caliber.Az

Doctor of political sciences, Professor and Vice-Rector at British University in Georgia Lasha Markozashvili has named for Caliber.Az the reasons why Georgia did not become a candidate for EU membership.

- The European Union decided to grant candidate status to Moldova and Ukraine, and Georgia was told that it needed to resolve certain problems. What do you think is the reason for this attitude towards your country?

- The enlargement policy in the EU has practically died. The window of opportunity has opened thanks to the heroic battle for Ukraine. This was the result of a political decision taken by the European Union. Georgia may be ahead of Moldova and Ukraine in the technical part of the implementation of the Association Agreement, but the political position of its government is fundamentally at odds with today's European spirit.

Instead of clearly expressing support for Ukraine, the Georgian government has managed to insult all its friends in Kyiv and other European capitals. There is practically no political actor left in the West with whom the [Georgian Prime Minister Irakli] Garibashvili administration would have a positive relationship. This was confirmed by a critical resolution adopted in the European Parliament, which was signed by all influential European parties, including the partners of the Georgian Dream - the socialists.

- What about the reforms that the EU insists on?

- The current government of Georgia is unready to carry out the reforms required by the European Union since their implementation is a necessary condition for strengthening democracy in the country. And in an established democracy, as is known, unity of command is impossible...

So, I believe that the Georgian government, with its anti-European narrative and harmful domestic politics, is the only reason why once the champion in the so-called association trio (Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova), our country has become a clear outsider.

- Can this decision of the EU be considered political and related to the fact that Georgia did not open a second front in support of Ukraine?

- The opening of a second front cannot be seriously discussed at all. It's funny when you blame the EU, an organisation that was created to bring peace to the continent. US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan very correctly assessed this explanation of the Georgian government and called it Russian propaganda. It's a shame that the Georgian Dream party is spreading information prepared by the Kremlin.

- If Saakashvili was in power, would Georgia get the status of a candidate for EU membership? In general, how will this moment affect Tbilisi's relations with the West?

- It's hard for me to guess what would have happened in the case of Saakashvili. His regime was authoritarian, so problems would most likely have arisen at a much earlier stage of integration.

However, I can say with confidence that Garibashvili's predecessor, Giorgi Gakharia, who is now in opposition, would definitely be able to successfully complete this process. Unfortunately, at this historical moment, the country is not represented by him, but by the current mediocre government.

- Do you think Georgia will come to terms with the EU's refusal to advance the accession process for it?

- The vast majority of the population of Georgia wants to join the European Union and NATO, we have it written in the Constitution. No government can stop the aspirations of the Georgian people to Europe. We will continue to work with European partners and will definitely get the status of a candidate.

- What are your expectations from the forthcoming NATO summit in Madrid?

- As for the NATO summit, if the Georgian government had a clear vision of foreign policy, I would have much more positive expectations in this regard, but now I do not expect innovative solutions.

- Why, in your opinion, has there been an increase in pro-Russian sentiments in Georgia lately, primarily in the expert community? Do you think that Georgia needs to move to the West, or should we still look to the East - towards Azerbaijan and Türkiye?

- Anyone who knows a thing or two about politics understands that the only way to preserve the sovereignty of Georgia is to stay closer to the West.

As for Türkiye and Azerbaijan, both countries are closest and the only friends and strategic allies of Georgia.