Georgian PM Meets EU Top Officials in Brussels
Within the frames of the official working visit to Belgium, members of the Georgian government, led by Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze and European commissioners, held a high-level meeting, chaired by President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, in Brussels on November 21.
The sides agreed to further solidify and enhance cooperation through more than 25 concrete actions across three focus areas: economy, education and justice, which, according to the European Commission, will advance cooperation within the framework of the Association Agreement.
The key outcomes delivered by the high level meeting read that Georgia has received billions of euros in support to develop its economy, education and other fields. According to Juncker, the more Georgia reforms, the more the EU will support it.
"Georgia is a proud country, built on the courage and ambition of its people. Georgia's commitment and desire to step-up its cooperation with the European Union shows that our relationship is a priority; today, we have agreed on many ways in which we as the European Commission can return this commitment, in concrete terms…You can count on the European Union to believe in Georgia's future, and to firmly defend its territorial integrity,” he stated at the joint press conference with PM Bakhtadze.
Juncker underlined that partnership between Georgia and the EU goes back a long way thanks to the shared history and geography.
“We have backed, since 2014, with €590 million of financial support, the efforts of Georgia and we hope to unlock a further €45 million of micro-financial assistance in the near future,” he added.
In his speech, the Georgian PM thanked Junker and the European Commissioners for their support. He underlined that the high-rank meeting held on Wednesday creates unique opportunities for Georgia, a country which has “always strived towards the European family.”
Bakhtadze underlined that Georgia does its best to fulfill all the requirements of the Association Agreement by implementing new reforms and developing democracy.
“We intend to increase and expand participation in EU programs and agencies. This is especially important because it strengthens our institutional capabilities and gives us a high level of compatibility with EU policy,” he noted.
Within the framework of the first meeting of the highest level format, several agreements were signed with the European side, which envisages allocating assistance of up to €231 million to Georgia.
The Delegation of the European Union to Georgia informs that since 2009, the EU has supported access to finance for more than 63,000 small, medium and micro-sized enterprises in Georgia, with about €700 million lent to create jobs and increase exports.
“New programs worth €100 million will further support access to finance in the local currency. The External Investment Plan Guarantee will allow new investment projects in Georgia,” the statement reads.
In addition, Commissioner Johannes Hahn and Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani signed a financing agreement worth €49 million for the European Union to support economic and business development in Georgia. Under the agreement, the European Union and Georgia will work together to develop a better legal system for business, modernize financial services, and innovate business models.
"Today, the European Union is Georgia's number one trading partner, accounting for 27% of its total trade," said Commissioner Hahn, adding the European Union has helped 37,000 Georgian companies to receive loans since 2009, and has helped over 90,000 people have access to free legal services.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, stated after the meeting that Association Agreement is bringing tangible benefits to Georgian and EU citizens alike and gives them a framework to cooperate even more closely.
“Whether it is enhancing Georgia's resilience to hybrid threats, providing support and facilitating access to finance for small and medium enterprises, investing in transport infrastructure, or giving young Georgians more opportunities to come to Europe, either to study or travel, we are determined to continue to deliver concrete, positive results,” Mogherini stated.
Before attending the high-level Georgia-EU meeting, PM Bakhtadze met President of the European Council, Donald Tusk.
Tusk evaluated the dynamics of Georgia-EU relations as positive and reiterated his support to Georgia. Pending reforms in Georgia with respect to economic development, strengthening of democratic institutions and modernization of educational system were discussed during the meeting.
The conversation also touched upon the existing electoral environment in the country. The President of the European Council underlined the practice of conducting free and fair elections in Georgia and positively evaluated the first round of the presidential elections.
By Thea Morrison
Image source: PM’s Press Office