Georgian authorities, opposition to discuss recommendations for starting EU membership talks

TBILISI. Jan 26 (Interfax) - Georgia's ruling party Georgian Dream and the parliamentary opposition intend to hold their first meeting on January 29 to coordinate steps to fulfil the European Commission's nine recommendations needed to start talks on Georgia's EU membership.

Representatives of opposition parties said they doubt that a consensus with the authorities will be achieved, while Georgian Dream Chairman Irakli Kobakhidze told reporters all recommendations will be fulfilled "despite the destructive position of representatives of the opposition, and talks on Georgia's accession to the EU will begin in December 2024."

EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski told reporters on Friday that the EU candidate status means only the start of a hard way for Georgia. He said that the EU hopes that this process will accelerate and become inclusive and constructive. Herczynski reminded that only several weeks have passed since the approval of nine recommendations for Georgia, adding that it is too early to speak about any progress.