European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell told a briefing in Tbilisi that the EU will never turn its back on Georgia and hopes it will use the time now to make a decisive push for EU candidate status. 

"We want you to be a member of the EU, that is why I have come and I am talking to you. The EU has not abandoned Georgia and will not leave Georgia.

At the same time, I have to say that this process is based on merit, you have to fulfill certain conditions, it is up to you. When a student goes to an exam, he does not blame the professor, right? He himself has to show that he knows the subject", Borrell stated.

He urged the residents of Georgia not to give in to Russian propaganda, which is trying to vilify the European Union.

"It is madness to think that from the side of the European Union someone wants war in Georgia. Don't listen!", Borrell urged.

EU representative made several important statements on the current:

- Georgia's level of compatibility with EU foreign policy is "not very high". This indicator should be improved. Borrell said that he directly told this to the Prime Minister of Georgia, also the EU "politely informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs";

- while Georgia is doing a good job in the fight against sanctions evasion, this should be emphasized;

- the EU investment plan for Georgia envisages mobilization of €1.3 billion to improve the country's competitiveness and infrastructure development;

- it is important that our partners work in concert; we are sorry to see the air service between Georgia and Russia restored;

- EU cannot help Georgia to cope with political polarization - this is a problem that can only be solved by Georgians themselves. Right now, it is the quality of the political debate that is preventing the country from moving forward;

- the impeachment of President Zourabichvili further increases polarization;

- out of 12 recommendations, the EU is waiting for progress on nine, three of which were positively assessed in the summer;

- "Do not think about rejection in any case!". The EU has not left Georgia and is not abandoning Georgia. But there is work to be done and there is still time;

- EU hopes for Georgia, waits and is ready to evaluate the efforts for EU status objectively. If our relations are not successful only Russia will enjoy it.

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