Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy, called, on Monday 16 September, for Georgia to keep up its pace of reforms.
“The EU remains a strong supporter of Georgia's successful reform process and we agreed on the need to keep up these efforts particularly with regard to rule of law and the further reform of the judiciary”, he stressed after a meeting with the new Prime Minister, Giorgi Gakharia, in Tbilisi.
Mr Hahn stressed the importance of further ensuring the independence and quality of the judicial system and institution building. He pointed out that the ongoing process of appointing Supreme Court judges was being closely monitored in Brussels and other European capitals.
The ongoing electoral reform process is also important, Hahn added, recalling the need for transparent and inclusive elections and that, in this context, a free and pluralistic media landscape is essential for a strong and healthy democracy.
The Commissioner also underlined that the EU and Georgia want to develop their cooperation, in particular by using and realising the full potential of the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.
Finally, he recalled the EU's support for the territorial integrity of Georgia. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)