Brussels, 20/03/2013 (Agence Europe) - In its 2012 report published on 20 March, the European Commission highlights Georgia's effort - such as the great progress in the negotiations on an association agreement with the EU, the progress in implementing visa facilitation and in the fight against corruption, and also the transfer of democratic power at the elections in October. However, the EU remains concerned about judicial reform and workers' rights.
For 2013, the Commission wants Georgia to address the shortcomings in its electoral law and to ensure respect for the roles of the prime minister and president. The Commission also wants Georgia to reform the judicial system to ensure the full independence of this power. The pluralism and independence of the media, and freedom of expression and opinion must be strengthened, and legislation on non-discrimination must be adopted. Tbilisi must also ensure that criminal prosecutions are conducted in a transparent and impartial manner - without political motivation, and it must deal with the issue of torture and ill treatment in the prison system. Georgia must continue and step up its dialogue with the International Labour Organisation, must continue its sectoral reforms and ensure that it moves closer to the EU's acquis so that the way may be paved for the finalisation of the association agreement. The policy of engagement with separatist regions must also be strengthened. (CG/transl.fl)