Association Council Issues Joint Press Statement Following 8th Session
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, February 22, 2024
In the joint statement published after the 8th session of the Association Council, it notes that the Association Council welcomed the historic decision of the European Council to grant Georgia the status of a candidate country, considering that the nine steps outlined in the European Commission's recommendation of November 8, 2023, will be implemented.
According to them, this decision elevated Georgia-EU relations to a new strategic level. The Council emphasized the importance of meeting the conditions set by the European Commission through the implementation of essential and irreversible reforms, prepared and executed with the involvement of the opposition and civil society.
"The EU took note of the adoption of the action plan to address the nine steps by the Government of Georgia in advance of the European Council decision and encouraged Georgia to further progress on reforms. It emphasized the importance of fulfilling the conditions specified by the European Commission through meaningful and irreversible reforms, prepared and implemented in consultation with the opposition and civil society. The EU stressed that Georgia's progress towards the European Union will depend on its own merit in meeting the accession criteria.
The Association Council reiterated the EU's commitment to strengthening EU-Georgia relations, emphasising the importance of fully exploiting the potential of the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and the effective implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agenda 2021-2027," the document reads.
The Council emphasized the importance of fighting disinformation, as well as anti-European rhetoric and information interference by external forces. They called on Georgia to take substantial steps in this direction, while also acknowledging the efforts already implemented by the government.
The Association Council emphasized the importance of ensuring the full independence, accountability, and impartiality of all state institutions, aligning with European standards and the recommendations of the Venice Commission. This includes judicial, prosecutorial, anti-corruption, and monetary institutions. The EU also underscored the necessity to enhance parliamentary oversight, particularly concerning security services, urging further improvements in implementation.
"The EU recognised that Georgia carried out significant reforms in a number of areas and successfully approximated its legislation with the EU acquis in many sectors as noted in the European Commission report on Georgia of 8 November 2023. It was noted that the objective of becoming an EU member, strongly supported by Georgia's people, the Government and across political spectrum has been a key driver in this respect. The EU urged all political actors in Georgia to demonstrate constructive cross-party cooperation and dialogue, overcome polarisation and refrain from actions that could further deepen the political tensions and hamper the country's reform agenda. The Association Council commended Georgia's vibrant civil society and underlined the importance of inclusive, meaningful and systematic engagement with civil society in the policymaking processes," the document reads.
The document underscored the Association Council's acknowledgment of Georgia's efforts toward deoligarchization, aimed at reducing undue influence in various sectors. It stressed the efficient implementation of the Action Plan and highlighted the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, emphasizing its independence and effectiveness. Further anti-corruption measures were encouraged, alongside continued progress in visa liberalization benchmarks and addressing European Commission recommendations.
The Association Council acknowledged Georgia's electoral framework reforms and urged the completion of electoral reform before the upcoming elections, aligning with Venice Commission and OSCE/ODIHR recommendations to ensure a free, fair, and competitive electoral process. The EU expressed appreciation for Georgia's invitation of OSCE-ODIHR long-term observers ahead of the 2024 parliamentary elections.
The document emphasized the need for Georgia to significantly enhance its alignment with EU Common Foreign and Security Policy positions and restrictive measures, urging progress toward full alignment. The EU welcomed Georgia's proactive engagement and constructive cooperation in preventing the circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia.
