Georgia’s FM slams downplaying of economic strength in EU membership debate

Georgia’s Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili has criticised suggestions that the country’s economic performance is irrelevant to its path toward EU membership, arguing that strong growth is essential for competitiveness and reform.

Botchorishvili pointed to a recent European Commission enlargement report that did not assess Georgia’s economy, noting that the Commission subsequently released an economic forecast for candidate countries showing positive prospects for Tbilisi, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

She said the data underlined the importance of economic strength in meeting EU standards and advancing accession ambitions.

According to the European Commission’s latest forecast, Georgia’s economic growth is expected to remain robust, surpassing 7 per cent in 2025 before moderating to between 5 per cent and 5.5 per cent in 2026 and 2027.

Earlier this month, the European Commission published its Enlargement Package, in which it warned that Georgia's "continued backsliding" had left the country as a “candidate country in name only.” The Commission urged Tbilisi to demonstrate a “resolute commitment” to reversing its course and returning to the EU accession path.

By Sabina Mammadli