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.

"Now, the most urgent priority is to put an end to the violence in Ukraine resulting from the ongoing aggression by Russia. For this, our entire effort is geared towards implementing concretely the considerable degree of support that has already been decided, and even to increase this support. This is the most important thing for now. Then there will be the necessity to establish, together, what future Europe we want to see, how it will work, what it will do, how it is organised. Those involved in the present struggle, which is a struggle for the soul and the values of Europe, will of course have their voice heard," French Ambassador to Georgia Diego Colas told the Accent, when asked about France's position on Georgia's EU bid.

According to him, Decisions to enlarge the European Union follow a precise process.

"They will be the result of a thorough democratic deliberation involving an opinion by the European Commission, a vote in the European Parliament, unanimity of Member States in the Council, and decisions by national parliaments in all member states. This is only natural as enlargement is a process that touches the very existence of the EU and its capacity to be a well-functioning actor in a dangerous world.

Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova are clearly European countries. Their aspiration to join the EU are well known and were applauded in the most recent Summit of the Eastern Partnership.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has put this endeavour in a new light. Ukrainians have united and are defending their independence, their democracy and their freedom with considerable bravery and heroism. It is an inspiration for us, as this is also a battle for our shared values. France’s Foreign Minister Le Drian has already said that we will have to draw conclusions from this new reality," Diego Colas told the Accent.

The EU heads of state or government said on March 10 that "the European Council acknowledged the European aspirations and the European choice of Ukraine, as stated in the Association Agreement."

"The Council has invited the Commission to submit its opinions on the applications of the Republic of Moldova and Georgia," the statement of the heads of state or government reads.