High rep: EU expects partners to make efforts to isolate Russia

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell has said that the EU expects international partners, including Georgia, to make efforts to isolate Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine.

Borrell, who is on a visit to Georgia, made the remarks at a press conference in Tbilisi, TASS reports.

"We support Ukraine and will continue supporting it as long as necessary. It is extremely important for our international partners to coordinate efforts to isolate Russia. Therefore, we welcome your efforts to combat circumvention of sanctions," he said.

Borrell noted that Georgia should bring its foreign policy into line with the EU.

“The consistency of foreign policy is not at a very high level. This should be improved,” he added.

EU leaders granted candidate status to Moldova and Ukraine in June 2022. They recognised Georgia's European prospects and also expressed their readiness to grant it candidate status after fulfilling 12 conditions.

In particular, the country carried out electoral reform, created an anti-corruption bureau, elected an ombudsman upon a new system, changed laws against gender discrimination and the fight against organised crime, and appointed three of five members of the High Council of Justice. Georgia expects another EU decision on granting it candidate status in late 2023.