EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi Says Pace of Progress on EU Path Depends on Implementation of Key Reforms
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
On March 23, representatives of non-governmental organizations addressed a letter to Olivér Várhelyi asking to make the interim evaluation related to the implementation of the 12 recommendations public.
European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi responded to the Civil Society Organizations that addressed him about the European Union giving Georgia a European perspective.
In his response, the European Commissioner stated that the European Union is grateful for the involvement of Georgian civil society in the process of monitoring the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.
"Dear representatives of Civil Public Organizations of Georgia, I thank you for your letter of March 24, 2023 regarding Georgia's implementation of the 12 priorities defined in the opinion of the European Commission of June 17, 2023.
Let me, first of all, emphasize our commitment to support Georgia on its European path. Civil society plays an important role in this effort and also has an essential role to play in protecting the democratic state.
We are grateful to the civil society of Georgia for its involvement in the process of monitoring the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, as well as for its contribution to policy formation.
As mentioned in your letter, on June 23-24, 2022, the European Council granted Georgia a European perspective.
After this decision, the commission closely monitors the steps taken by Georgia in the direction of implementation of the 12 priorities and contributes to solving the main issues of Georgia as quickly and efficiently as possible.
At the same time, as with all enlargement countries, the pace of progress on the EU path depends on the implementation of key reforms.
In the spring of 2023, the Commission will orally present to the Council updated information on Georgia's fulfillment of 12 priorities.
The timing and modalities of this update are still under discussion. A formal report on the implementation of the priorities will be part of the Commission's annual expansion package in the fall," Várhelyi's letter reads.
