“The report on the implementation of the AAEU positively estimates the implementation of the Association Agreement by Georgia, as well as large-scale reforms and amendments to the legislation adopted by the Parliament, aimed at improving democracy, rule of law and human rights. The European Parliament considers that significant progress has been made in consolidating and strengthening Georgia’s Parliamentary democracy and hails the electoral changes adopted by the Georgian Parliament”, – Archil Talakvadze stated at a briefing, responding to the “Report on the Implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU”.
According to A. Talakvadze, it is unfortunate that the electoral changes were not supported by the opposition, despite the fact that they had made a public commitment to uphold the amendments. Dwelling on the report, the Speaker remarked that the European Parliament reaffirms its clear support for the Parliamentary Elections – “I would like to assure our European partners that the Parliamentary Elections will be held in a free, fair and transparent environment”.
As he added, the report emphasizes Georgia’s response to COVID-19 and positively estimates the actions of the Georgian Government against the pandemic. According to the Speaker, the European Parliament expresses support for maintaining macroeconomic stability and reaffirms its clear and firm position for Georgia’s EU integration and territorial integrity.
“What I would like to particularly emphasize is that the European Union expresses support for Georgia’s EU integration process, in particular, accentuates such important issues as the FTA and its full implementation by Georgia and the EU, as well the visa-free regime. Do you remember that both the Parliament and the Government have taken a number of important steps in this direction? We take care of the EU’s trust toward our country and we will continue to cooperate as much as possible to protect the benefits that our citizens now enjoy – visa-free regime and the FTA. Here I would like to highlight the rather acute issue, which once again confirms that Georgia’s territorial integrity remains very high on the agenda of our international partners – the report also discussed the occupation and of course, condemns the illegal actions and the humanitarian, human rights situation in the occupied territories of Georgia. The issue of the return of IDPs, their safe and dignified return remains an important priority for both our Government and our partners. As you know, three days ago, on September 14, a political debate was held in the European Parliament, and the President of the European Commission addressed to speak about the occupied territories. I would like to make it clear again since our opponents have repeatedly and unfairly criticized us for not working properly to bring the issues of Abkhazia and Samachablo to the international agenda that this report and the debate once again show that we are doing our best to make sure that the issue of aggression against our country and the occupation of our territories remains on the international agenda”, – the Speaker noted.
According to him, Georgia will continue to implement the reforms in the field of cyber security.
In addition, the report discusses gender equality, equal participation of women and men in political, economic and social life.
“The reforms implemented in this direction, including the amendments to the Election Code, are positive and progressive”, – the Speaker stated.
The Speaker paid special attention to the record on education. He reiterated that funding for education, as well as fundamental reforms, are an important priority for the Government and that the European Parliament responds to this issue.
“It is said in the report that Georgia will enjoy the support for our students, professors, researchers to participate in EU-funded projects, especially the Erasmus Plus program, which helped more than 7,500 Georgian students to get education at international universities. This number is growing every year. Besides, the report contains very important recommendations and priorities. We, of course, are committed to continue the reforms together with our European partners as these reforms serve the democratic development of our country and the well-fare of our citizens”, – Archil Talakvadze concluded.
He thanked the rapporteur Sven Mikser for preparing the report, and the MEPs for their active participation in the debate.
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