PM Kobakhidze backs EU membership while raising concerns over EU’s future

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has reaffirmed the country’s goal of joining the European Union, while also warning that the bloc was facing significant internal challenges.

Speaking at a leaders’ panel titled Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Kobakhidze said the global environment was currently defined by heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts.

He said there were two wars taking place globally, adding that such conflicts were affecting trade routes, energy systems, transport networks and broader economic stability.

Against this backdrop, Kobakhidze said Georgia remained interested in becoming a full EU member state, noting that the country shared this strategic objective with North Macedonia.

At the same time, he pointed to what he described as “fundamental challenges” within the European Union itself.

He said that while the EU had previously been characterised by strong identity, prosperity, democracy and rule of law, it was now facing difficulties in these areas.

Kobakhidze added that the developments were a concern for Georgia, expressing hope that the situation within the EU would improve in the coming years.