In spite of its preparedness and eagerness to join EU and NATO, Georgia may have to wait longer than expected for membership.
Bratislava, Tbilisi, 30th of November – When it comes to Euro-Atlantic integration, Georgia is foremost amongst the Caucasus countries. Despite this, Georgians are concerned that they may find themselves waiting for other prospective member states to catch up. “Forerunners should not wait for those that are not that motivated to run as fast as the others” said Tamar Beruchašvili from the Office of State Minister on Euro-Atlantic integration of Georgia, alluding to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
While the path towards the integration is complicated, its Georgians see the future of their country in NATO and the EU. Support for Euro-Atlantic integration in Georgia is exceptionally high. Up to 90 percent of the population supports Georgia´s EU integration; support for NATO membership is only few points smaller. “Georgia realizes that it is situated in a very geopolitically unstable region. The country therefore desires to belong to the European family, which is perceived as a symbol of stability, prosperity and cooperation,” explains Tamar Beruchašvili.
Lela Garsevanišvili from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs thinks that the EU should not wait for the peloton and thus handicap those countries that are best prepared: “EU should welcome countries based on their effort, their meeting of requirements and their progress in the process.“
Georgia is not alone on its path to Europe – Slovakia, like others, is helping the countries of the Caucasus through projects by non-governmental organizations. One of these, Georgia: Knocking of the EU´s Door was launched by Slovak Atlantic Commission in cooperation with the Georgian Levan Mikeladze Foundation and financial support of SlovakAid. Its goal will be to bring Slovak experience of the integration process to Georgia and help build democratic institutions. December will see a bilateral forum for entrepreneurs, with the participation of the Chambers of Commerce and nearly forty companies from both countries. The goal of this platform is to strengthen mutual trade cooperation of both countries.
