Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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76. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the application for membership of the European Union submitted by Georgia was discussed at recent meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15400/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is a strong supporter of EU enlargement, and of the European perspective of the Eastern Partnership’s three associated partners, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. Ukraine, in particular, has made impressive progress in aligning with EU standards and deserves recognition for their efforts to defend European values.

However, we are mindful that there is a clear distinction between the response to the situation in Ukraine and applications from Moldova and Georgia. There remains much to be done on crucial reforms in Georgia. I also note that Ukraine FM Kuleba specifically asked at the 4 March FAC that the three countries not be treated as a package.

On 10 March the European Council invited the Commission to submit its opinions on each of the three applications and to assess the applicant states' preparedness for accession.

The assessment of Georgia's application will be based on a number of criteria, primarily Georgia's capacity to align with the EU acquis. In the past, it has taken up to three years for the Commission to revert to the Council with their opinion. Typically, the opinion will set out a number of deliverables to be fulfilled by the country before it can be considered an official candidate country. Once the opinion is accepted by the Council, the country becomes a potential candidate country (similar to both Bosnia and Kosovo), entitled to extra technical support and guidance under a stabilisation agreement, with a view to boosting the country’s preparedness for accession.

Ireland will continue to support the EU aspirations of Georgia, while urging its authorities for continued improvements, particularly in areas relating to EU values - such as the promotion and protection of human rights, the rule of law, an independent judiciary and good governance.