Brussels, 01/07/2016 (Agence Europe) - The association agreement between the EU and Georgia entered fully into force on Friday 1 July. It had been applied provisionally since 1 September 2014.
“The EU is looking forward to further strengthening its cooperation with a country that is still working on crucial reforms in areas such as the rule of law, the accountability rules for public decision-makers and transparency”, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated.
“Better business opportunities for Georgian small- and medium-sized enterprises, improved safety of locally-grown agricultural products and enhanced energy efficiency: these are just a few areas where we already saw promising signs during the provisional application of the agreement, which can now progress even further”, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn said, encouraging Georgia to make full use of the €100 million annual EU assistance for supporting the country's reform agenda.
The EU-Georgia association agreement is aimed at deepening political and economic relations between the two parties - particularly through the creation of a free trade area.
The agreement involves Georgia in an ambitious reform agenda for democracy and the rule of law, fundamental freedoms and human rights, good governance, a market economy and sustainable development. The agreement also provides for enhanced cooperation on environmental protection, social development and social protection, consumer protection, education, youth and culture, industry, energy and transport.
Since provisional implementation of the agreement, Georgia's exports to the EU increased by 16% in 2015, and new exports are materialising. Georgia's agricultural exports to the EU include kiwis, blueberries, nuts, garlic and wine. Its exports in copper and petroleum oils have also seen a considerable increase.
In addition, the European Commission states that Georgia has adopted European standards in the areas of health, safety and environmental protection.
An association agenda which outlines the short- and medium-term reform priorities for Georgia for 2017-2020 is currently being drawn up. (Original version in French by Emmanuel Hagry)