The European Union had a strong identity, strong indicators of prosperity, strong democracy and the rule of law, however, it currently faces serious challenges in all three areas, which worries us very much, PM says

We are interested in becoming a full-fledged member state of the European Union, at the same time, we see the challenges the European Union itself is facing, - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said in his speech at the leaders' panel discussion "Defining the Future and Managing Risks" held within the framework of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

As the Head of Government noted, there are currently two wars going on in the world, the global landscape is currently characterized by geopolitical tension.

“There are two wars going on in the world – around us. The global landscape is currently characterized by geopolitical tension. Conflicts affect everything – trade routes, energy, transport, economic stability. Of course, in such a situation, it is necessary to find a substantive solution. We are interested in becoming a full-fledged member state of the European Union. We and North Macedonia have this common goal. At the same time, we see the challenges that the European Union itself is facing. These are fundamental challenges. For some years, the European Union had specific strong aspects – a strong identity, strong indicators of well-being, strong democracy and the rule of law. However, if we look at the current European Union, it has serious challenges in all three areas. This worries us very much and we hope that the situation in the European Union will change in the future,” said Irakli Kobakhidze.

In addition, according to the Prime Minister, Georgia has proven for many years that it is a reliable bridge between Europe and Asia.

“When it comes to the South Caucasus, of course, all these uncertainties and global challenges also affect our region. However, at the same time, the South Caucasus is gaining great importance in the conditions of such a development of events in the world. We are doing our best to fully use these opportunities. Georgia has proven for many years that it is a reliable bridge between Europe and Asia. We are doing our best to strengthen connectivity. In the current environment, when trade routes are facing special challenges, of course, we can offer our partners various services in different parts of the world.

Georgia is a transit hub for the rapid delivery of cargo, services, energy, digital data. We will do our best to strengthen this function of our country,” the Prime Minister said.