European Commission, MEMO, Brussels, 21 May 2014:
1.
Members of the European Commission and the Government of Georgia,
headed respectively by President Barroso and Prime Minister
Garibashvili, met today in Brussels. They discussed the domestic and
security situation in Georgia and in the wider region, the state of play
of the EU-Georgia cooperation and the future progressive development of
their relations.
2. The unprecedented meeting
reflects Georgia's unique relationship with the EU and demonstrates the
special nature of this relationship. The European Commission reaffirmed
the EU's firm commitment to political association and economic
integration with Georgia, opening up a new chapter in their relations.
The EU also reconfirmed its support for Georgia's programme of key
political, judicial and economic reforms and welcomed the progress
achieved to this end. The EU and Georgia reiterated their shared common
objective of a democratic, stable and prosperous Georgia and looked
forward to the early signature of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement
to reinforce EU-Georgia relations and boost prosperity, trade and
investment. Both sides welcomed the finalisation of the Association
Agenda as a set of jointly agreed priorities for the period 2014-2016
that will help prepare Georgia for the successful implementation of the
Agreement. Georgia underlined that the Association Agreement is not the
final goal in the EU and Georgia's mutual cooperation.
3. The European Commission
reaffirmed the EU's unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and
territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The
European Commission acknowledged that Georgia shares common history and
values with the EU and is committed to implementing and promoting these
values. The European Commission acknowledged the European aspirations
and the European choice of Georgia and its commitment to build deep and
sustainable democracy.
4. The European Commission and
the Government of Georgia underlined that their new contractual
relationship will be based on a joint commitment to shared values, the
continuation of reforms, and political stability. The European
Commission and the Government of Georgia agreed on the importance of
holding the 15 June local elections to the same high democratic
standards as parliamentary and presidential elections in 2012 and 2013
for the continued democratic development in the country. Both sides
agreed that the democratic opposition has an important role to play in
the further consolidation of democracy in Georgia.
5. Both sides agreed on the special
importance of increased people-to-people contacts between the citizens
of Georgia and the European Union and bringing the EU and Georgia, and
in particular their citizens closer to each other. The European
Commission welcomed Georgia's political commitment to the process and
the significant progress achieved so far in the context of the Visa
Liberalisation Dialogue and encouraged Georgia to continue pursuing its
reforms in all areas relevant for the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan,
including human rights and data protection. The European Commission
welcomed Georgia's recent adoption of landmark anti-discrimination
legislation. The European Commission assured Georgia of its continued
support with a view to moving forward with the visa liberalisation
process as quickly as possible.
6. The European Commission
recognised far-reaching reforms in the justice sector. Both sides agreed
that it was important to take further steps to sustain the positive
results of these reform efforts, including measures to strengthen the
independence of the judiciary, as well as the accountability and
democratic oversight of law enforcement agencies. They agreed on the
need for transparency and impartiality in criminal investigations. The
European Commission and the Government of Georgia underlined their
respect for minority rights and religious tolerance. In this regard, the
European Commission welcomed the Georgian Government's adoption of
anti-discrimination legislation and of the National Human Rights
Strategy and Action Plan. The European Commission confirmed its offer
of assistance the Government of Georgia in the latter's implementation.
7. Both sides noted the
importance of close cooperation on energy issues and highlighted
Georgia’s increased role for the EU’s energy security. They acknowledged
the importance of the Southern Gas Corridor and other energy transit
infrastructures directly linking the Caspian Region with the EU and
contributing to the diversification of energy supply routes. The
European Commission welcomed the intention of Georgia to accede to the
Energy Community Treaty, which would further reinforce EU-Georgia links.
8. The European Commission and
Georgia highlighted the importance of enhancing sector cooperation,
mainly in such priority areas as energy, transport, agriculture and
rural development, tourism, education and research. The European
Commission recognised the far-reaching trade related reforms of the
Government of Georgia, in competition policy, labour rights, food
safety, quality infrastructure and others. The Government of Georgia is
committed to continue the reform process in line with the Association
Agenda and a multiannual action plan and the European Commission assured
Georgia of its continued support.
9. The European Commission
welcomed the Georgia's long term socio-economic development strategy of
Georgia (Georgia 2020) and its associated reforms focused on the
development of Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises, entrepreneurship and
innovation in Georgia. The European Commission undertook to support
Georgia in its activities aimed at implementing the DCFTA and helping
Georgian businesses adapt to the new regulatory environment arising from
the Association Agreement and at the development of a competitive
private sector. Both sides agreed to work together to promote bilateral
trade and investment. In this regard, President Barroso confirmed his
intention to attend the EU-Georgia investment conference on 13 June in
Tbilisi.
10. The Government of Georgia welcomed
the EU's declared intention to step up its financial assistance to
Georgia for the period 2014-2017 to accompany the implementation of the
Association Agreement. The European Commission and the Government of
Georgia signed a Financing Agreement worth €19 million for the
"Framework Programme in support of EU-Georgia Agreements" to assist with
reforms in priority areas necessary for the successful implementation
of the Agreement. The European Commission also announced additional
funding to Georgia of €30 million, in line with the Eastern
Partnership's "more for more" principle, in recognition of Georgia's
progress towards deep democracy.
11. The European Commission drew
attention to the EU's decision in August 2013 to approve a
Macro-Financial Assistance programme for Georgia of EUR 46 million, to
be provided equally in loans and grants. The European Commission noted
that discussions to implement this programme could be resumed if the
Georgian authorities reach agreement with the International Monetary
Fund on a new disbursing programme.
12. The European Commission
reaffirmed the EU's continued commitment to peace, stability and
conflict resolution efforts in Georgia. Both sides acknowledged the
importance of an active engagement policy, fully respecting Georgia's
territorial integrity. The European Commission and the Government of
Georgia agreed on the need to engage more actively with the Georgian
regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia with an emphasis
on identifying pragmatic solutions. Both sides expressed their deep
concern at the negative impact which the erection of obstacles to travel
across the Administrative Boundary Lines had on the local population.
The European Commission and the Government of Georgia underlined their
full commitment to the Geneva International Discussions. Both sides
welcomed the continued support shown by EU Member States for the EU
Monitoring Mission in Georgia and emphasised its contribution to the
stability of the country. The European Commission and Georgia reiterated
the need to ensure the full implementation of the EUMM mandate. Georgia
assured the European Commission of its commitment to continue to work
constructively with the mission and with the EU Special Representative
for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia.
13. The European Commission
thanked the Government of Georgia for its offer to commit forces to the
EU's military CSDP mission in the Central African Republic and welcomed
this as a concrete demonstration of Georgia's firm commitment to the
path of political association with the EU.
14. Both sides discussed the
landslide which occurred in the Dariali Gorge on 17 May. They united in
their expression of sympathy to all those affected by the disaster.
The European Commission offered its assistance to Georgia in responding
to the emergency situation.
15. The European Commission and
the Government of Georgia agreed to continue to coordinate closely and
effectively with a view to further deepening Georgia's political
association and economic integration with the EU.
[europa.eu]
21/5/14
--
-
Related:
Support Group for Ukraine. - The work of the Support Group could be extended also to Georgia and Moldova
EU-Georgia: Financial support to strengthen democratic institutions. -European Commission, Press release
UE-Géorgie-Moldavie: accords d'association signés d'ici l'automne. -Rompuy
GR
FR
DE
ES
IT
RU
EU
No comments :
Post a Comment
Only News