Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has signed an application to join the European Union, following Kyiv’s suit.

Georgia now awaits receiving the status of a candidate from Brussels.

Vice-Chair of the Delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, member of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee, MEP Marketa Gregorova told the Accent that Georgia is welcomed to be part of the EU.

She also emphasized that it would be harmful both to Goergia and the EU if the membership requirements wouldn't be met.

"I am happy for this clear message by the Prime Minister. Georgia is welcomed to be part of the EU, which is what we are trying to convene through our talks and meetings on the political level, and, of course, working on conditions in the Association Agreement. We think that symbolically, as well as practically, it is important for this region to show now how they stand towards Russia, and this is more than a clear statement. Of course there is no shortcut into the EU - Georgia will have to continue its reforms in the field of judiciary, rule of law, minority rights and others. With membership in the EU there comes not only benefits, but also responsibilities, and it would be harmful both to Goergia and the EU if those requirements wouldn't be met," Gregorova said.