Dr. Khatuna Burkadze, a member of the EPAG Board, delivered a public lecture on European integration at American Space in Tbilisi.

Dr. Khatuna Burkadze, a member of the EPAG Board, delivered a public lecture entitled “Georgia’s European Future: From Candidacy to Membership” at American Space in Tbilisi.

Dr. Khatuna Burkadze paid special attention to the importance of Georgia’s European future and discussed its historical, domestic and foreign aspects. She reviewed the stages of Georgia’s European integration. Professor Burkadze discussed the decision made by the European Council on December 14, 2023, to grant Georgia the status of a candidate for EU membership, and its political and economic dimensions.

Dr. Khatuna Burkadze noted: “We should implement European reforms, which are necessary conditions for using geopolitical opportunities and achieving Georgia’s European aspirations. We need to take effective steps following European values ​​and carry out legislative and institutional changes, taking into account the recommendations of the European Commission. This process is essential to start negotiations on accession to the European Union”.

“Georgia’s membership in the European Union means granting the status of European Union citizenship to our citizens, which indicates the full opening of the window of European opportunities. It is the best, democratic, stable way of achieving citizens’ goals. At the same time, this process creates legal guarantees for realizing individuals’ rights and freedoms,” added Dr. Khatuna Burkadze.