The EU said they hope to achieve a political association with Georgia

The EU expects to further strengthen cooperation with Georgia to promote political association and economic integration, the EU diplomatic service said, commenting on the results of the first round of the presidential elections in Georgia.
On the presidency of Georgia on Sunday fought 25 candidates. According to the results of processing almost 100% of the ballots, independent candidate Salome Zurabishvili is gaining 38.6% of the vote, opposition candidate Grigol Vashadze - 37.75%. The CEC reported that the second round of elections will take place no later than December 2.



"According to the preliminary findings of the OSCE / ODIHR election observation mission, the elections were“ competitive and professionally managed, ”which gave Georgian voters a genuine right to vote,” the statement said.
According to the EU diplomatic service, "throughout the campaign and on election day, there were some shortcomings, in particular, cases of abuse of administrative resources, sharp polarization of private media, negative agitation and harsh rhetoric. "These shortcomings should be addressed based on the recommendations of the OSCE / ODIHR," the statement says. “Ensuring high democratic standards throughout the entire electoral process, including the second round, remains key. It is important that all parties continue to adhere to democratic principles and respect the will of the Georgian people,” the EU diplomatic service said.
The Office expressed hope for further strengthening of cooperation with Georgia to promote "political association and economic integration and the fulfillment of joint obligations under the Association Agreement."

The Georgian authorities call membership in the NATO and the European Union the main foreign policy priorities. In 2014, Georgia signed an association agreement with the EU; in March 2017, citizens of the country received the possibility of visa-free entry into the countries of the Schengen zone.