Georgian Foreign Minister to Attend EU Enlargement Anniversary Events in Brussels

Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili will visit Brussels on April 29-30, 2024 to participate in events organized by the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council, marking the 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement. During the visit, Darchiashvili will attend the informal session of the General Affairs Council of the European Union (GAC) and a solemn ceremony commemorating the historic enlargement.

The 2004 EU enlargement saw 10 new Member States join the European Union, significantly expanding the bloc. The anniversary events aim to celebrate this milestone and reflect on the impact and progress made over the past two decades.

In addition to the formal events, Minister Darchiashvili is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several key EU officials. These include meetings with the foreign ministers of Belgium and Luxembourg, as well as the Vice-President of the European Commission, Věra Jourová. Discussions will focus on the current agenda of bilateral relations and cooperation in international formats, as well as the security situation in Georgia and the wider region.

Darchiashvili will also meet with the Hungarian Minister for EU Affairs to discuss Hungary's upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU. Meetings are planned with officials from the European Commission, including the Acting Head of the EC Cabinet and representatives from the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations.

Why this matters: Georgia's participation in the EU enlargement anniversary events highlights its aspirations for closer ties and potential future membership in the European Union. The bilateral meetings provide an important platform for Georgia to engage with EU leaders and advance its interests on the European stage.

The 20th anniversary of the 2004 EU enlargement serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of European integration and the ongoing process of expanding the EU family. As Minister Darchiashvili stated, "Georgia remains committed to its European path and will continue to work closely with the EU to advance our shared values and interests."

Key Takeaways

• Georgian FM to visit Brussels on April 29-30, 2024 for EU enlargement anniversary
• Attend EU Council meeting, commemorate 2004 enlargement of 10 new member states
• Hold bilateral meetings with EU officials, discuss bilateral relations and security
• Meetings aim to advance Georgia's interests and European integration aspirations
• 20th anniversary highlights transformative impact of EU expansion over past decades