Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

![european flag](./../../../images/eclogo.jpg)EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 3.4.2017

JOIN(2017) 12 final

2017/0071(NLE)

Joint Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the Union position within the Association Council established by the Association Agreement between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and its Member States, of the one part and Georgia, of the other part with regard to the adoption of the EU-Georgia Association Agenda

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1.CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

•Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

Relations between the EU and Georgia are currently based on the Association Agreement and the European Neighbourhood Policy framework reviewed in 2015
[1](#footnote1)
. The key principles guiding bilateral relations in this context are more differentiation between partner countries and greater ownership by these countries.

The EU-Georgia Association Agreement (‘the Association Agreement’) was signed on 27 June 2014 and provisionally applied from 1 September 2014 until completion of the ratification process. The Association Agreement entered into force and became fully applicable on 1 July 2016.

With a view to preparing and facilitating the implementation of the Association Agreement, the Parties agreed on an Association Agenda at a meeting of the Cooperation Council on 26 June 2014. The Association Agenda provided a practical framework for drawing up a list of priorities for joint work in 2014-2016. These priorities were based on the structure of the Association Agreement, in the spirit of the overall objective of political association and economic integration.

Given that the Association Agreement has applied since 1 July 2016, the Association Agenda needs to be updated. This is a matter of political priority and has to reflect the current relations between the EU and Georgia.

This document therefore updates and refocuses the 2014-2016 Association Agenda, setting new priorities for joint work in 2017-2020. It distinguishes between short-term priorities (where significant progress should be achieved by the end of 2018) and medium-term priorities (where significant progress should be achieved by 2019-2020).

•Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area

The Association Agenda is consistent with EU policy priorities in this area. These priorities are namely political and economic stabilisation of the neighbourhood and stabilisation of its security, the pursuit of EU interests and the promotion of universal values.

•Consistency with other Union policies

The proposed Association Agenda, while reflecting the EU's long-standing engagement towards its Eastern partner, is fully aligned with the Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy. The strategy calls for investing in the resilience of states and societies to the east while building closer relations. This integrated approach towards resilience addresses the most acute cases of governmental, economic, societal and climate/energy fragility.

The document also takes into account:

the need for stronger democracy and the rule of law;

the promotion of human rights, fundamental freedoms and good governance;

the increased focus on international cooperation to counter terrorism, conflict prevention, regional stability; and

the potential of free trade in a fully functioning market economy with its policies gradually brought in line with EU policies to generate growth and employment.

2.LEGAL ASPECTS

This proposal is based on Article 218(9) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) for a Council Decision on the Union position within the Association Council set up by the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of the Association Agenda. The substantive legal basis for the adoption of the Association Agenda is Article 217 TFEU (association with third countries).

The adoption of the Association Agenda is envisaged by exchange of letters between the members of the EU-Georgia Association Council after the adoption by the Council of the European Union, on the basis of Article 218(9) TFEU, of an EU position within the Association Council itself. The adopted Association Agenda will be the basis for programming under the European Neighbourhood Instrument.

The Council Conclusions on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy of 14 December 2015 welcomed the proposals set out in the Joint Communication on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy
[2](#footnote2)
. These proposals aim ‘to further develop relations with partners wishing to pursue deeper relations with the EU based on shared values.’ The Joint Communication stresses the role of Association Agendas and partnership priorities as ‘the basis for setting priorities for assistance’.

3.RESULTS OF EX-POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

•Ex-post evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation

Not applicable.

•Stakeholder consultations

These texts were drafted after close consultation with relevant Commission services and with Member States’ representatives in the Council of the European Union's Working Group on Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The texts also take account of discussions with the EU’s counterparts in Georgia.

Consultation with civil society stakeholders took place in Tbilisi in October and November 2016. The main inputs received were all taken into account in the attached text and concerned:

detailed indicators for priority actions;

more involvement of civil society in the reform and decision-making processes;

reform of the justice sector, the energy sector and public administration;

the fight against corruption;

the situation in the media sector; and

implementation of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area.

These consultations were held following the orientations framed in the reviewed European Neighbourhood Policy.

•Collection and use of expertise

The relevant thematic expertise was available internally, either in the European Commission headquarters in Brussels or in the EU Delegation to Georgia in Tbilisi.

•Impact assessment

Not applicable.

•Regulatory fitness and simplification

Not applicable.

•Fundamental rights

No consequence for fundamental rights in the EU Member States.

For fundamental rights in Georgia, the consequences are expected to be positive. This assessment is based on the fact that in the Association Agenda, Georgia has committed to the following:

to implement the commitments and obligations under international and national human rights law and respect for fundamental freedoms;

to strengthen the stability, independence and effectiveness of institutions guaranteeing democracy and the rule of law in Georgia;

to integrate national minorities;

to respect democratic elections and fully adhere to all recommendations by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE);

to respect the independence, impartiality, professionalism and efficiency of the judiciary;

to promote good governance through public administration reform, public finance management and greater access to information; and

to uphold freedom of expression and independence of the media.

On human rights, the EU and Georgia engage in regular dialogue to address a number of areas including:

freedom of expression;

freedom of the media;

freedom of association;

torture, ill-treatment and detention conditions;

discrimination and gender-based violence;

women’s rights and rights of the child;

protection of persons belonging to national minorities; and

freedom of religion.

4.BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS

No additional budgetary implication beyond what is provided in previous international EU commitments. Any further budgetary implications will be defined in separate proposals, such as the forthcoming 2017-2020 European Neighbourhood Instrument Single Support Framework.

5.OTHER ELEMENTS

•Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements

The implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agenda will be subject to regular monitoring at least once a year. This monitoring will be carried out in the context of the review mechanisms and the meetings related to bilateral cooperation between the EU and Georgia under the Association Agreement.

6.REFERENCES

(a)Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, signed on 27 June 2014; OJ L261, 30.8.2014

(b)Joint Communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions; Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy; JOIN/2015/050 final

(c)Council conclusions on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy of 14 December 2015

(d)Regulation EU 232/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2014 establishing a European Neighbourhood Instrument; OJ L77/27, 15.3.2014

(e)Accession of Georgia to the Energy Community Treaty, approved by the 14th Energy Community Ministerial Council in Sarajevo on 14 October 2016

(f)Agreement associating Georgia to the Horizon 2020 programme signed in Brussels on 29 April 2016

(g)Protocol to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, on a Framework Agreement between the European Union and Georgia, on the general principles for the participation of Georgia in Union programmes, signed on 12 December 2013; OJ L8, 11.01.2014

(h)Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on protection of geographical indications of agricultural products and foodstuff, signed on 14 July 2011; OJ L 93, 30.03.2012

(i)Common Aviation Area Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, signed on 02 December 2010; OJ L321, 20.11.2012

(j)Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation signed on 22 November 2010; OJ L52, 25.02.2011

(k)Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the facilitation of the issuance of visas, signed on 17 June 2010; OJ L52, 25.02.2011

(l)Joint Declaration on a Mobility Partnership between the European Union and Georgia, Brussels, 30 November 2009

(m)Agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the status of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia, signed on 03.11.2008; OJ L310, 21.11.2008

(n)Agreement between the European Union and the Government of Georgia on the status in Georgia of the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and his/her support team, signed on 12 May 2006; OJ L135, 23.05.2006

2017/0071 (NLE)

Joint Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the Union position within the Association Council established by the Association Agreement between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and its Member States, of the one part and Georgia, of the other part with regard to the adoption of the EU-Georgia Association Agenda

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 217, in conjunction with Article 218(9) thereof,

Having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part and Georgia, of the other part (the ‘Association Agreement’), in particular Article 406 thereof,

Having regard to the joint proposal from the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

(1)The Association Agreement was signed on 27 June 2014.

(2)The Association Agreement entered into force on 1 July 2016.

(3)To support the application of the Association Agreement, the Parties have agreed to negotiate an Association Agenda with a view to providing a list of priorities for their joint work on a sector-by-sector basis.

(4)The Parties have agreed on an Association Agenda, which will prepare and facilitate the implementation of the Association Agreement, and will have to be adopted by the Association Council set up under the Association Agreement.

(5)The Union position to be taken in the Association Council on the adoption of the EU-Georgia Association Agenda has to be adopted by the Council,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:

Article 1

The Union position within the Association Council established by the Association Agreement between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part and Georgia, of the other part, with regard to the adoption of the EU-Georgia Association Agenda shall be based on the draft Recommendation of the Association Council attached to this Decision.

Article 2

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

   The President

:   [(1)](#footnoteref1)
    Council Conclusions on the Review of the European Neighbourhood Policy of 14 December 2015.
:   [(2)](#footnoteref2)
    JOIN(2015) 50; 18.11.2015.

[Top](#document1)

![european flag](./../../../images/eclogo.jpg)EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels, 3.4.2017

JOIN(2017) 12 final

ANNEX

to the

Joint Proposal for a  
COUNCIL DECISION

on the Union position within the Association Council established by the Association Agreement between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and its Member States, of the one part and Georgia, of the other part with regard to the adoption of the EU-Georgia Association Agenda

DECISION No XX/2017 OF THE EU- GEORGIA ASSOCIATION COUNCIL of [DAY MONTH 2017]

Agreeing on the EU-Georgia Association Agenda

THE EU-GEORGIA ASSOCIATION COUNCIL,

Having regard to the EU-Georgia Association Agreement between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part and Georgia, of the other part

Whereas:

(1)
   The Association Agreement between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part and Georgia, of the other part, was signed on 27 June 2014 and entered into force on 1 July 2016;

(2)
   Article 406 of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement gives the Association Council the power to take appropriate decisions, for the purposes of attaining the objectives of the Agreement;

(3)
   In terms of Article 420 of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, the Parties are to take any general or specific measures required to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement and shall see to it that the objectives set out in the Agreement are attained.

(4)
   The review of the European Neighbourhood Policy proposed a new phase of engagement with partners, allowing a greater sense of ownership by both sides;

(5)
   The EU and Georgia wish to consolidate their partnership by agreeing on a set of priorities for the period 2017-2020 with the aim of supporting and strengthening resilience and stability of Georgia while seeking closer political association and deeper economic integration.

(6) 
   The Parties to the EU-Georgia Association Agreement have therefore agreed on the text of the EU-Georgia Association Agenda, which will support the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, focusing cooperation on commonly identified shared interests.

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The Association Council adopts the EU-Georgia Association Agenda as set out in the Annex.

Article 2

The EU-Georgia Association Agenda 2017-2020 shall replace the EU-Georgia Association Agenda 2014-2016 which was adopted on 26 June 2014.

Article 3

This Decision shall enter into force on the day of its adoption.

Done at Brussels, [day month 2017].

For the Association Council

The Chair

\*\*\*

  

ANNEX

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ASSOCIATION AGENDA

between

the EUROPEAN UNION

AND

Georgia

Contents

1.
   Principles, instruments and resources for implementing the Association Agenda
   

2. 
   Priorities of the Association Agenda
   

2.1
   Key Priorities for Actions
   

2.2
   Democracy, Human Rights, Good Governance and Strengthening Institutions
   

Justice sector
   

Law enforcement
   

Anti-corruption, public administrative reform and public service
   

Ill-treatment and torture
   

Equal treatment
   

Children's rights
   

Trade Union rights and core labour standards
   

2.3
   Foreign and Security Policy
   

Terrorism, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and illegal arms exports
   

Peaceful conflict resolution
   

International Criminal Court (ICC)
   

2.4
   Justice, Freedom and Security

Protection of Personal Data
   

Migration and Asylum
   

Border Management
   

Fight against Organised Crime
   

Tackling Illicit Drugs
   

Money-laundering and terrorism financing
   

Cooperation in the fight against terrorism
   

Legal Cooperation
   

2.5
   Trade and Trade-Related Matters and Sustainable Development
   

Trade in Goods
   

Technical Regulations, Standardisation and Related Infrastructure
   

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures
   

Customs and Trade Facilitation
   

Rules of Origin
   

Establishment, Trade in Services and Electronic Commerce
   

Current Payments and Movement of Capital
   

Public Procurement
   

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
   

Competition
   

Transparency

Trade and Sustainable Development
   

2.6
   Economic Development and Market Opportunities
   

Agriculture and Rural Development
   

Public Internal Financial Control and External Audit
   

Taxation
   

Statistics
   

Consumer Policy
   

Company Law, Accounting and Auditing and Corporate Governance
   

Financial Services
   

Industrial and Enterprise Policy and Mining
   

Tourism
   

Employment, Social Policy and Equal Opportunities
   

Cooperation in the Field of Digital Economy and Society
   

Fisheries and Maritime Policy
   

Public Health
   

2.7
   Connectivity, Energy Efficiency, Environment, Climate Action and Civil Protection
   

Transport
   

Energy Cooperation
   

Environment
   

Climate Change

Civil Protection
   

2.8
   Mobility and People to People
   

Cooperation in Research, Technological Development and Innovation
   

Education, Training and Youth
   

Cooperation in the Cultural Field
   

Cooperation in Audio-visual and Media Field
   

Regional Development and Regional Level Cooperation
   

Participation in EU Agencies and Programmes
   

Public outreach and visibility
   

  

Association Agenda

between the European Union and Georgia

On 27 June 2014 the European Union and Georgia ('the Parties') signed an ambitious and innovative Association Agreement (AA), including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). Following completion of the ratification process the full application of the Association Agreement started on 1 July 2016.

On 26 June 2014, the EU and Georgia agreed an Association Agenda, to prepare and facilitate implementation of the Association Agreement. The Agenda provides a framework for identification of priorities for joint work in the period 2014-16 to achieve the objectives of political association and economic integration set by the Association Agreement.

The present document updates and refocuses the 2014-2016 Association Agenda and sets new priorities for joint work for the period 2017-2020. It distinguishes between short-term priorities (which should be achieved or on which significant progress should be made by end 2018) and medium-term priorities (which should be achieved or on which significant progress should be made by end 2020).

The fact that the Association Agenda focuses upon a limited number of priorities is without prejudice to the scope or the mandate of existing dialogue under other relevant Agreements or under the multilateral track of the Eastern Partnership. It also does not prejudge implementation of commitments made in the AA/DCFTA since its entry into force on 1 July 2016.

Furthermore, the continued implementation by Georgia, beyond the visa liberalisation dialogue, of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan, aimed at a substantial enhancement of mobility and people-to-people contacts between the two sides, is a fundamental element underpinning the political association and economic integration of Georgia with the European Union as foreseen in the Association Agreement. The EU acknowledges Georgia's achievement in fulfilling all the required benchmarks of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan, which led to the adoption by the Commission of a fourth and last progress report on 18 December 2015. This updated Association Agenda also aims at keeping track of and further encouraging sustained results in all VLAP-related areas.

  

1.
   Principles, instruments and resources for implementing the Association Agenda

The following common principles will guide the implementation of the Association Agenda:

Actions undertaken through the Association Agenda should be implemented in the spirit of the overall objective of political association and economic integration;

The priorities of the Association Agenda complement the responsibilities of the EU and Georgia to implement in full the provisions of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement now that it has fully entered into force;

The Association Agenda should be implemented in full respect of the principles of transparency, accountability and inclusiveness;

The Association Agenda involves an engagement from both sides in its implementation;

The Association Agenda aims to achieve tangible and defined results through the progressive implementation of practical measures;

The Parties recognise the importance of supporting the agreed priorities through appropriate and sufficient political, technical and financial means; and

The implementation of the Association Agenda will be subject to annual reporting, monitoring and assessment. Progress made will be reviewed including in the context of the institutional structures set forth by the Association Agreement. Civil society will also be encouraged to focus their monitoring activities on the Association Agenda.

The European Union will support Georgia in implementing the objectives and priorities set out in the Association Agenda. It will do so through using all available sources of EU support, as well as expertise and advice, best practices and know-how, the sharing of information, support to capacity-building and institutional strengthening. It will also encourage and seek coordination of support from other partners of Georgia. The relevant EU financial instruments will also be available to help in the implementation of the Association Agenda. Notwithstanding this, the latter is not in itself a financial programming document and does not substitute for the programming or formulation exercises undertaken by the Parties.

EU support will be provided in the context of the overall priorities for assistance in favour of Georgia, as outlined in the ENI Single Support Framework (SSF) and in the multi-country programming under the European Neighbourhood Instrument (ENI) as part of the overall funding available for Georgia and in full respect of the relevant implementation rules and procedures of EU external assistance.

The present Association Agenda will be applied from the moment of its adoption, for an initial period of four years which may be extended by mutual agreement. It may be amended or updated at any time as necessary by agreement of the EU-Georgia Association Council.

  

2. 
   Priorities of the Association Agenda

2.1Key Priorities for Actions

In line with the four priorities agreed at the Riga Summit, the following reform actions should be addressed as a matter of priority:

In the field of strengthening institutions and good governance

1/ Independence of the judiciary and law enforcement agencies

Continue reforming the justice sector, in particular to ensure the full independence of judges and strengthen the accountability, efficiency, impartiality and professionalism of the justice system, by implementing key judicial reforms addressing inter alia the High Council of Justice, the Prosecutor Office, judicial accountability, the institutional structure of courts, an effective electronic case management system, legal aid and services, commercial justice and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Increase accountability and democratic oversight of law enforcement agencies free from political or any other undue interference.

2/ Public Administration Reform and Improvement in Public Services

Pursue public administration reform in line with the Principles of Public Administration with emphasis on fostering an accountable, efficient, effective, transparent public administration and on building a merit-based and professional civil service, on delivering quality public services and on improving management of public finances. Ensure effective implementation of the Anti-corruption National Strategy and Action plan to prevent, detect and address corruption.

3/ Human rights and fundamental freedoms

Continue effective implementation of the anti-discrimination law and strengthen media pluralism, transparency and independence; establish an independent investigative mechanism to investigate allegations of ill treatment by law enforcement bodies; enhance gender equality and ensure equal treatment in social, political and economic life; and focus on measures to protect children against all forms of violence. Continue reform efforts to ensure a high level protection of personal data

4/ Peaceful conflict resolution

Maintain effective co-operation between the EU and Georgia towards a settlement of the conflict within agreed formats; maintain constructive participation in and ensure the support for the EU, UN, OSCE co-chaired Geneva International Discussions; use the good offices of EUMM Georgia to contribute to stability, normalisation, and confidence building; take appropriate steps to encourage trade, freedom of movement and economic ties across the administrative boundary lines, including reviewing of legislation.

  

In the field of economic development and market opportunities

5/ Improved business environment and investment management

Implement the SME strategy and corresponding action plan for 2016-2017 as well as subsequent action plans; continue to improve the regulatory framework, operational environment and support to SMEs; improve Public Private Dialogue to identify private sector priorities in need of structural economic reforms support. Support reforms of financial sector infrastructure (banking sector reform and legislation, improved credit/collateral registries, improved financial reporting and audit, measures enabling capital markets, such as development of micro-credit, leasing, factoring and insurance); establish alternative dispute resolution mechanisms for commercial disputes and contract enforcement.

6/ Agriculture and rural development

Implement the Rural Development Strategy of Georgia 2017-2020; support the development of efficient value chains and support SMEs to increase their competitiveness in selected sectors with high export value.

7/ Trade related reforms and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures

Implement the Technical Barriers to Trade Strategy (TBT); develop infrastructure related to administration of standards, technical regulations, metrology, market surveillance, accreditation, conformity assessment procedures; implement the Market Surveillance Strategy; further improve trade statistics; implement the strategic framework for customs cooperation, approximate legislation on customs enforcement of intellectual property rights and ensure respect of the standstill clause for applicable import duties.

Implement the Food Safety Strategy and Approximation Programme, in particular the Food Safety Code and progressive adoption of the implementing horizontal legislation; ensure that veterinary phytosanitary and food safety checks at the border inspection posts be carried out by the competent authority; support the early warning system for food and feed, animal health and plant health safety and increase laboratory capacity for SPS measures.

In the field of connectivity, energy efficiency, environment and climate action

8/ Energy security and energy efficiency

Support the timely implementation of the commitments stemming from Georgia's formal accession to the Energy Community, and strengthen in particular energy security and energy efficiency, including through regulatory reforms and investment;

9/ Transport

Develop economically important infrastructure, including through further implementation of projects for the development of the core TEN-T network.

  

10/ Environment and climate action

Enhance environmental governance by adopting and implementing new legislation on environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, on environmental liability; by ensuring public access to environmental information and public participation in decision-making, by involving all interested stakeholders, as well as by integrating environment into other policy areas and by improving environmental information sharing. Finalise a Low Emission Development Strategy. Ratify the new global agreement on climate change (the Paris Agreement).

In the field of mobility and people to people contacts

11/ Migration, asylum and border management

Maintain level of achievement of all benchmarks of the Visa Liberalisation action plan; effectively implement the EU-Georgia Mobility Partnership, Georgia's Migration Strategy 2016-2020 and Georgia's State Border Management Strategy 2014-2018 and the respective accompanying Action Plans;

12/ Education, employment, innovation and youth

Improve overall education performance through a comprehensive education reform; and develop a strategic approach to employment and vocational education and training (VET); develop a vision and strategy for supporting the development of Georgian Innovation policy

  

2.2Democracy, Human Rights, Good Governance and Strengthening Institutions

Political dialogue and cooperation towards reforms in the framework of this Association Agenda seek to strengthen respect for democratic principles, the rule of law and good governance, human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities as enshrined in the core UN and Council of Europe Conventions and related protocols and to contribute to consolidating domestic political reforms, in particular through approximating with the EU acquis communautaire.

The dialogue and cooperation will cover the following areas:

(i)
   Strengthening the stability, independence and effectiveness of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights, and in particular by:

Continue ensuring the democratic conduct of elections by addressing within the new electoral cycle remaining shortcomings in the legislative framework and election administration as identified by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Free and Fair Elections (IATF) and Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), in particular the recommendations of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission report after the 2016 general elections;

Continue ensuring that legislative amendments affecting key components of the rule of law, such as the independence of the judiciary, are subject to comprehensive consultation domestically and, as the case may be, with the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission to ensure that they stand the test of time and meet European standards.

Further improve the balance of power between different branches of government and capacities of parliament to perform its oversight and legislative functions.

(ii)
   Continue reforming the justice sector, in particular ensure the full independence of judges and strengthen the accountability, efficiency, impartiality and professionalism of the justice system, as well as of law enforcement agencies which should be free from political or any other undue interference; continue and intensify the fight against corruption:

Justice sector

Short-term priorities

Develop and gradually implement the Judicial Strategy and its action plan, which among other issues will cover improvement of the policy and practice of the appointment, promotion and training of the judges, with particular emphasis on human rights-sensitive approaches and provide adequate resources to ensure proper judicial competencies; further promote independence of the High School of Justice;

In particular, improve effectiveness of the High Council of Justice inter alia by ensuring its independence as well as its accountability.

Improve the system of judicial accountability by implementation of clear and exhaustive disciplinary rules which are effectively enforced as well as by guaranteeing professionalism and integrity of judges;

Streamline institutional structure of general courts, including where necessary, by introducing specialized panels and chambers and reduce case backlogs in civil divisions of general courts;

Develop electronic case allocation system and improve electronic case management program in order to raise trust towards the judiciary;

Continue the reform of the Prosecutor's office aiming at further ensuring full independence of prosecutorial work from political influence and greater transparency and accountability;

Further improve legislative and institutional frameworks for providing high quality free legal aid as well as payable legal services;

Ensure fair trial, access to justice and procedural rights in criminal proceedings in accordance with Georgia's obligations under the European Convention of Human Rights, the case-law of the Court and other relevant Conventions of the Council of Europe by putting in place:

- legislation and measures aimed at guaranteeing the procedural rights of suspects and accused persons in criminal proceedings;

- legislation, measures and resources aimed at guaranteeing the rights for victims of crime for access to justice, protection, support and compensation, including under the criminal justice system.

Introduce fair and efficient, and more widely used, alternative means of dispute settlement.

Implement rehabilitation and re-socialization approaches in the Penitentiary and Probation Systems and beyond in order to prevent re-offending and maintain a proper balance between ensuring public order and security and guaranteeing human rights protection.

Medium term priorities

Modernize legislations in the commercial, civil and administrative areas in line with national strategies and EU acquis;

Ensure inclusive access to justice by an adequately funded Legal Aid Service.

  

Law enforcement

Short-term priorities

Increase the accountability and democratic oversight of law enforcement agencies. Complaints against the police will require a professional, effective mechanism for credible response. Consider taking further measures to promote independent and effective investigation of such cases. Provide a comprehensive professional training of law enforcement officers on ethical standards and human rights;

Further expand application of alternatives to imprisonment, by introducing new non-custodial sentences and increasing the capacities of the probation service.

Anti-corruption, public administrative reform and public service

Short-term priorities

Continue combating corruption, and ensure effective implementation of relevant international legal instruments, such as the UN Convention Against Corruption and the recommendations of the Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption (GRECO);

Improve citizens' right to information as one of key measure to effectively prevent corruption;

Strengthen capacity of oversight, audit and financial investigation bodies;

Continue inclusive policy making with participation of citizens and dialogue between civil society and national and local authorities;

Reinforce oversight capacities of the parliament by improving capacity of sectoral committees.

Continue implementation of the Public Administration Reform Roadmap and strengthen coordination, monitoring and reporting on the Roadmap and underlying strategies both at political and administrative level;

Implement the new civil service legal framework to ensure a more professional and merit-based civil service.

Medium-term priorities

Ensure effective implementation of the Anti-corruption National Strategy and Action plan to prevent, detect and address corruption, especially high level corruption;

Ensure an effective investigation of alleged cases of corruption and create an effective system for the prevention of the conflict of interest;

Update the Public Administration Reform Roadmap and underlying strategies in line with the Principles of Public;

Foster an accountable, efficient, effective, transparent public administration and on building a merit-based and professional civil service;

Strengthen governance and public administration reform at local level in line with European standards.

  

(iii) 
   Ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms through comprehensive cooperation on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including as underlined in Thomas Hammarberg’s report “Georgia in transition”. This cooperation will notably include:

Short-term priorities

Actively implement the National Human Rights strategy and action plan including the specific recommendations of UN bodies, OSCE/ ODIHR, the Council of Europe / European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) and international human rights organisations notably in implementing anti-discrimination policies, protecting minorities and private life and ensuring the freedom of religion;

Continue effective implementation of the anti-discrimination law to ensure effective protection against discrimination;

Take steps towards signature, ratification and transposition into national legislation of relevant Council of Europe instruments in the fight against discrimination, including the standing recommendations of the Council of Europe on the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence , the so called Istanbul Convention and towards implementation of UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into national legislation.

Medium-term priorities

Maintain effective pre- and non-judicial mechanisms for both dispute settlement and the protection of human rights;

Continue to promote and raise awareness on human rights and anti-discrimination in the judiciary, law enforcement, administration including by conducting respective trainings;

Continue to strengthen media pluralism, transparency and independence in line with Council of Europe recommendations;

Take the recommendations of the Public Defender’s Office (PDO) into account in policy-making and provide adequate resources and strengthen the PDO office; Cooperate with the Public Defender on its recommendations related to discrimination cases and the effective functioning of the institutional mechanism foreseen in the anti-discrimination law also by amendments to the legislation.

Continue building monitoring capacities of the Parliamentary Committees on Human Rights and Civil Integration as well as on legal issues linked to the implementation of the Human Rights Strategy and Action Plan;

Cooperate with Civil Society Organisations (CSO) and the representative social partners (trade-unions and employers' organisations) as stakeholders and watchdogs in areas prioritised by the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (AA), including labour rights, privacy, rights of minorities and other vulnerable groups and media freedom.

Ill-treatment and torture

Short-term priorities

Adopt the Action Plan 2015-2016 for 2017-2018 and continue taking further measures to combat ill-treatment and torture, and step up efforts in order to combat impunity;

Ensure a thorough, transparent, independent investigation into any allegation of the use of torture and ill treatment in the penitentiary system, police, military and other closed facilities by establishing independent investigative mechanism to investigate allegations of ill treatment by law enforcement bodies;

Continue to support and engage with the National Preventive Mechanism (NPM) under the Public Defender's Office to prevent abuse through ensuring its effective functioning; 

Medium-term priorities

Continue efforts to improve the penitentiary healthcare system and prisoners' access to health care including mental health care services. Build capacities and empower health care staff working in -or for- closed institutions in the denouncing and reporting of ill-treatment.

Further strengthen effective internal and external monitoring of the penitentiary system, police, military and other closed facilities for the early detection and prevention of abuse and ill-treatment.

Equal treatment

Short-term priorities

Enhance gender equality and ensure equal treatment between women and men in social, political and economic life;

Take further measures to strengthen the implementation of legislation against domestic violence, including awareness-raising of both the general population and of specific professional groups, such as the police, and in particular in rural and minority areas. Increase the access of victims to counselling services and shelters.

Medium-term priorities

Approximate to European standards as regards health and safety rules, rules on the protection of maternity, rules on the reconciliation of parental and professional responsibilities as envisaged by the Association Agreement.

Take active steps to promote increased women representation in political decision making fora.

Children's rights

Short-term priorities

Provide adequate resources and strengthen the role of the Public Defender's Office to undertake further ombudsman work for children, inter alia to carry out annual monitoring of the situation in relevant institutions, including in day centres;

Focus on measures to protect children against all forms of violence.

Medium-term priorities

Address most vulnerable children’s needs (including children with disabilities and children living and working on the streets), through improving and expanding social protection mechanisms, as well as supporting territorial access to habilitation/rehabilitation programmes for children with disabilities, and take steps towards elimination of child labour;

Continue juvenile justice reform;

Continue working towards deinstitutionalisation of children.

Trade Union rights and core labour standards

Short-term priorities

Adopt the legal framework defining the supervision functions of the Labour Inspection system in the Occupational Health and Safety area, and remove restrictions to the powers of inspectors in existing legislation in accordance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.

Medium-term priorities

Implement the Labour Code (adopted in June 2013) and bring it as well as other relevant legislation further in line with the ILO standards. Underpin the Labour Code with institutions and procedures for resolving labour disputes and developing a negotiation culture by approving a roster of mediators.

Continue to work on establishing a fully-fledged Labour Inspection system with adequate competences and capacities for the inspections of all working conditions and labour relations according to ILO standards;

Ensure the effective functioning of the Tripartite Social Partnership Commission and continue to improve social dialogue through cooperation with the ILO.

  

2.3 Foreign and Security Policy

Dialogue and cooperation in the field of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) aim at gradual convergence, including on the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), and will address in particular, conflict prevention and crisis management issues, regional stability, disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control and export control. Co-operation will be based on common values and mutual interests, and will aim at increasing policy convergence and effectiveness, making use of bilateral, international and regional fora.

Short-term priorities

Continue to cooperate on increasing alignment of Georgia with the EU CFSP declarations;

Continue to cooperate on alignment with EU autonomous sanctions measures;

Continue cooperation on Strategic Communication about EU integration related issues;

Enhance practical cooperation in conflict prevention and crisis management by facilitating the participation of Georgia in EU-led civilian and military crisis management operations, and consultation and training activities in the CSDP area (on the basis the Framework Participation Agreement signed in November 2013) and in the multilateral framework of the Eastern Partnership Panel on CSDP);

Promote and facilitate Georgia's participation in CSDP-related training and consultation activities (in the framework of the regular bilateral consultations and multilateral Eastern Partnership Panel on CSDP);

Facilitate Georgia’s cooperation with the EU agencies on CSDP related issues;

Promote regional cooperation on security issues such as improved border management, migration management, protection of critical infrastructure, export control, emergency response, civil protection, countering smuggling and illicit trafficking (such as bio and nuclear materials) and the training and of appropriate personnel, including in in particular through the Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Centre of Excellence located in Georgia.

Medium-term priorities

Jointly contribute to an environment conducive to pragmatic cooperation and developing political dialogue and cooperation on regional and international issues, including within the framework of the Council of Europe and the OSCE;

Promote peaceful conflict resolution and international stability and security based on effective multilateralism;

Enhance investment in the resilience of Georgian state and society by including Georgia in the Capacity Building for Security and Development Initiative (CBSD) through providing institutional support, training and equipment that will contribute to the effectiveness of the Global Strategy for Foreign and Security Policy;

Facilitate Georgia's cooperation with the EU on effective Security Sector Reform in Georgia;

Promote jointly respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and independence, as established in the UN Charter and the OSCE Helsinki Final Act.

Terrorism, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and illegal arms exports

Short-term priorities

Cooperate on, and contribute to, countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery through full compliance with, and national implementation of, the Parties' existing obligations under international disarmament and non-proliferation treaties and agreements, and other relevant international obligations.

Medium-term priorities

Cooperate so as to deepen international consensus on the human rights based fight against terrorism, including on the legal definition of terrorist acts, including by promoting agreement on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism;

Co-operate on risk-based customs control ensuring safety and security of goods imported, exported or in transit;

Tackle the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, including their ammunition, under existing international agreements and UN Security Council resolutions, and commitments under other international instruments applicable in this area;

Continue to cooperate in the area of conventional arms export control, in the light of the EU Common Position on control of exports of military technology and equipment. Develop co-operation in the fight against trafficking of arms and the destruction of stockpiles;

Continue contributing to the implementation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) on all its three pillars, in a balanced manner.

Peaceful conflict resolution

Short-term priorities

Maintain effective co-operation between the EU and Georgia towards a settlement of the conflict within agreed formats, including consultations with a view to establishing ways for appropriate involvement of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia in the deepening of EU-Georgia relations;

Maintain constructive participation in and ensure the support for the EU, UN, OSCE co-chaired Geneva International Discussions;

Fully and effectively use the good offices of EU Monitoring Mission Georgia to contribute to stability, normalisation, and confidence building, inter alia through the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms and through any other appropriate mechanisms, measures or arrangements.

Support peaceful conflict resolution efforts, including via undertaking contacts with the populations of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia in light of Georgia's reconciliation and engagement policy and EU's non-recognition and engagement policy;

Share with the populations across the administrative boundary lines the benefits and opportunities stemming from the EU-Georgia political association and economic integration process, including the EU-Georgia Visa Liberalisation;

Take appropriate steps to encourage trade, freedom of movement and economic ties across the administrative boundary lines, including reviewing of legislation such as the Law on Occupied Territories; 

Undertake measures to foster people-to-people contacts, confidence-building and reconciliation efforts between communities divided by conflict;

Medium-term priorities

Continue joint efforts aimed at ensuring the full implementation of the 12 August 2008 Six-Point Agreement and its subsequent implementing measures.

Continue joint efforts for meaningful international field involvement in Georgia including the full implementation of the mandate of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia);

Continue working towards enabling the safe, dignified and voluntary return of all IDPs and refugees to places of initial residence in line with principles of international law;

Taking steps towards the sustainable solution to conflict and without prejudice to the existing formats for addressing the conflict-related issues, the peaceful conflict resolution will constitute one of the central subjects on the agenda of political dialogue between the Parties, as well as in the dialogue with other relevant international actors.

International Criminal Court (ICC)

Continue to cooperate with the International Criminal Court by implementing the Rome Statute and its related instruments, giving due regard to preserving its integrity. Continue to cooperate with ICC with respect to August 2008 war investigations.

  

2.4Justice, Freedom and Security

After the adoption and entry into force of the visa free regime, Georgia is expected to continuously fulfil the requirements set in the four Blocks of the Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation of 25 February 2013. The effective and sustainable implementation of all the benchmarks contained in the Action Plan, including those in Block 3 (Public Order and Security), is essential for maintaining the visa-free regime with the EU. In case of a justified concern on the fulfilment of concrete benchmarks of the Action Plan, Georgia will provide the European Union information, on request.

The Parties will cooperate in the following areas:

Protection of Personal Data

Short-term priorities

Ensure a high level protection of personal data in accordance with European standards and take practical steps to guarantee the respect for the right to personal data protection, including in the criminal justice field; ensure the application of data protection standards in public and private sectors.

Medium-term priorities

Continue strengthening the capacity of the data protection authority (Inspector Office) and follow up on the application of data protection standards;

Continue implementing the legal framework on personal data protection in all sectors in order to ensure a high level of data protection in line with the European instruments and standards.

Migration and Asylum

Short-term priorities

Ensure that the Unified Migration Analytical System and the Migration Risk Analysis System are fully operational and report on consequent improvements in the analysis of migratory data and the assessment of risks.

Medium-term priorities

Effectively implement Georgia's Migration Strategy 2016-2020 and the accompanying Action Plan;

Update on a regular basis (at least every two years) Georgia's Migration Profile;

Continue effective implementation of the EU-Georgia Readmission Agreement and ensure a smooth transfer of the Mobility Centres and reintegration activities to Georgia's state programme on reintegration;

Develop mechanisms to fight against irregular migration and foster legal migration, including through continuous, targeted information campaigns on migrants' rights and obligations, rules regulating their access to the EU labour market and on liability for any abuse of rights under the visa-free regime;

Continue to develop practical cooperation in the framework of the EU-Georgia Mobility Partnership.

Border Management

Short-term priorities

Report on progress in the phasing out of the use of Georgian non-biometric passports in accordance with the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan.

Medium-term priorities

Effectively implement Georgia's State Integrated Border Management Strategy 2014-2018 and the accompanying Action Plan;

Maintain a high quality of border checks and border surveillance with the help of the Border Migration Administering and Reporting System (BMARS) and the implementation of Border Operations Management System (BOMS) project;

Progress in the demarcation of state borders with neighbouring countries.

Fight against Organised Crime

Short-term priorities

Elaborate an Action Plan on the Fight against Trafficking in Human Beings for the post-2016 period and continue capacity development activities for the state authorities to proactively identify and efficiently investigate cases of trafficking in human beings;

Monitor and report on the effectiveness of proactive identification and investigation of cases of trafficking in human beings.

Medium-term priorities

Continue efforts in the area of prevention and fight against organised crime;

For the purpose of effectively tackling organized crime further develop cooperation between EU Member States and Georgian law-enforcement agencies, implement the cooperation agreement with Europol once in place and continue cooperating with CEPOL for law enforcement training purposes;

Enhance cooperation in addressing cybercrime, and providing relevant law enforcement training to Georgian authorities.

Tackling Illicit Drugs

Short-term priorities

Implement the National Drug Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2017.

Medium-term priorities

Continue ensuring a balanced and integrated approach towards drug issues in order to cope with the health and social consequences of drug abuse as well as ensuring more effective prevention and working towards reducing the supply of, trafficking in and the demand for illicit drugs;

Continue the regular dialogue in the framework of Eastern Partnership (EaP) Drugs Dialogue;

Develop further the cooperation and information exchange, including by making best use of the Memorandum of Understanding between the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and the Ministry of Justice of Georgia.

Money-laundering and terrorism financing

Short-term priorities

Align the Georgian legislation with the fourth Anti-Money Laundering Directive;

Monitor and report on the number of freezing and confiscation orders issued and on the estimated value of the property frozen and confiscated, in order to ensure the effective implementation of Georgia's legislation on confiscation of criminal assets.

Medium-term priorities

Continue efforts in further developing the legal and institutional framework for preventing and fighting money laundering and financing of terrorism, including through approximation with the EU's legislation in these fields;

Continue to implement standards in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations on terrorist financing;

Enhance operational cooperation on confiscation, asset recovery and asset management through effective communication and exchange of best practices between the Georgian authorities and the EU Asset Recovery Offices.

Cooperation in the fight against terrorism

Medium-term priorities

Conclude the operational agreement between Georgia and EUROPOL to facilitate exchange information on terrorist organisations, groups, their activities and their support networks;

Sign and ratify all relevant international instruments.

Legal Cooperation

Short-term priorities

Take effective and intensive measures to sign and promote implementation of the operational cooperation agreement with Eurojust.

Medium-term priorities

Enhance judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters by acceding to and implementing multilateral conventions on civil judicial cooperation, in particular the main Conventions of the Hague Conference on Private International Law in the field of judicial cooperation as well as the protection of children, such as the 1965 Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters, the Convention of 1970 on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil or Commercial Matters, the 2005 Convention on Choice of Court Agreements and 2007 Hague Convention on Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance, and its Protocol on the applicable law to maintenance obligations;

Enhance the judicial cooperation in criminal matters by acceding to and implementing the relevant conventions, especially those of the CoE.

2.5Trade and Trade-Related Matters and Sustainable Development

The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area makes up an extensive part of the Association Agreement. It is therefore expected that implementation of this part, contained in Title IV TRADE AND TRADE-RELATED MATTERS, will be granted a level of priority commensurate with its importance in the overall context of the Association Agreement and in the frame of EU-Georgia relations.

The Parties will cooperate to support Georgia in establishing a fully functioning market economy and gradually approximating its policies to the policies of the EU in accordance with the guiding principles of macroeconomic stability, sound public finances, a robust financial system and sustainable balance of payments. To that end they will monitor macroeconomic developments, discuss key policy challenges and exchange information on best practices by strengthening the regular macroeconomic dialogue in order to improve the quality of economic policy making.

Furthermore the Parties agree to cooperate with a view to:

Medium-term priorities

Strengthen the independence and regulatory powers of the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) and share EU experience, including from the ECB, on monetary and exchange rate policy as well as financial and banking sector regulation and supervision policies, to further develop Georgia’s capabilities in these areas;

Improve the sustainability and governance of public finances by implementing fiscal reforms;

Develop a sustainable, comprehensive and well-targeted social safety net.

Trade in Goods

The Parties will cooperate on the implementation of the provisions on market access for goods of the Association Agreement, in particular through joint consultations, with a view to:

Short-term priorities

Further improvements in the area of trade statistics;

Ensuring that no increase of currently applicable import duties in trade between the parties takes place following the entry into force of the Agreement (standstill clause);

Medium-term priorities

Support Georgia to increase the diversification of Georgia's export structure, including export of new products to the EU market;

Close cooperation with a view to applying effectively the anti-circumvention mechanism;

Assisting Georgia in drafting and implementing legislation it may intend to prepare on market access or other related issues (i.e. trade remedies);

Ensuring exchange of information on market access-related developments and policy on market access.

Technical Regulations, Standardisation and Related Infrastructure

The Parties will cooperate in the field of standards, technical regulations, metrology, market surveillance, accreditation and conformity assessment for achieving gradual approximation of these systems with EU relevant systems as provided for in the Association Agreement. The cooperation will include:

Medium-term priorities

Developing legislation which Georgia committed to implement on the basis of the Association Agreement as provided in its Technical Barriers to Trade Strategy (TBT);

Developing infrastructure related to administration of standards, technical regulations, metrology, market surveillance, accreditation, and conformity assessment procedures;

Facilitating the preparation and adaptation of stakeholders, including economic operators, for the implementation of approximated legislation;

Continuing the implementation of the Market Surveillance Strategy for industrial goods;

In the Market Surveillance field, strengthening administrative capacities of relevant Georgian state institutions and market surveillance bodies;

Further staff training for the administration of responsible government bodies and agencies;

Exchanging information on all relevant aspects of the Georgian TBT and Market Surveillance Strategies, including timeframes as applicable.

Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures

The Parties will cooperate in preparing for the approximation of Georgia's sanitary and phytosanitary legislation for food and feed, plant health as well as animal health and welfare and practice to that of the EU, as set out in the relevant Annexes to the Association Agreement. The cooperation will include:

Short-term priorities

Supporting the early warning system for the food and feed, animal health and plant health safety;

Organising information campaigns with relevant agencies, businesses and NGOs on the requirements for accessing the EU market, as well as with civil society on the relevant consumer aspects of food and feed safety;

Providing further EU technical advice and support to Georgia in drafting and implementing the legislation, including training the relevant staff, providing capacity-building to the competent authority and supporting the improvement of the laboratory capacity, in line with the EU requirements;

Enhancing adaptation capacity of Georgian business for the implementation of approximated legislation.

Medium-term priorities

Supporting Georgia to strengthen the risk analysis in the SPS field; ensuring veterinary phytosanitary and food safety checks at the border inspection posts;

Facilitating the adaptation of Georgian businesses for the implementation of approximated legislation.

Customs and Trade Facilitation

The Parties will cooperate in preparing for the approximation of Georgia’s legislation to EU acquis and international standards listed in the relevant Annex to the Association Agreement. Approximation should be based on the Union Customs Code, which is implemented as of May 1st 2016.

Short-term priorities

Implementation of the Strategic Framework for customs cooperation;

Approximating Georgia’s legislation on customs enforcement of IPR to EU acquis, as envisaged by the Association Agreement.

Medium-term priorities

Approximating Georgia's Authorised Economic Operator system to that of the EU;

Continuing to modernise Georgian customs authorities;

Continuing to simplify and modernise customs procedures;

Assisting Georgia in its accession to the Convention on a common transit procedure;

Co-operating on risk-based customs control and sharing of relevant information that contributes to improved risk management and security of the supply chains, facilitation of legitimate trade and safety and security of goods imported, exported or in transit.

Strengthening dialogue on the fight against fraud to prevent illegal trade, including in excisable products, particularly through enhanced cooperation in the framework of the Protocol on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs Matters;

Considering the prospect of mutual recognition of Authorised Economic Operator system as envisaged by the Association Agreement.

Rules of Origin

The parties will work together to implement rules of origin laid out in the relevant protocol to the Association Agreement and deriving from Georgia's accession to the regional Convention on Pan-Euro-Mediterranean preferential rules of origin. This cooperation will include work to:

Short- term priorities

Discuss the current procedures applied by Georgian customs services in certifying and verifying the origin of goods.

Medium-term priorities

Substituting the current protocol on rules of origin (Protocol 2 of the AA) by a reference to the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention on rules of origin following Georgia's accession;

Continue training on certification and verification of preferential origin to Georgia’s customs service.

Establishment, Trade in Services and Electronic Commerce

The Parties will continue the dialogue on establishment, trade in services and electronic commerce according to the relevant provisions of the Association Agreement. Furthermore, the Parties will prepare for the implementation of the commitments in the services areas, as envisaged in the relevant Annexes to the Association Agreement. This will include providing training and building adequate administrative capacity to undertake planned legislative approximation, and ensure regular exchanges of information as regards envisaged and ongoing work in selected areas for approximation.

Exchange information and experience on development interoperable eCommerce trading platforms;

Exchange information and experience on raising awareness among stakeholders on implementing the key principles of the Postal Services Directive, in particular the universal postal obligation, as well as other postal sector policy.

Current Payments and Movement of Capital

The Parties will continue dialogue on capital movements and payments, in particular with a view to monitoring compliance with all existing commitments and preparing for implementation of the Association Agreement.

Public Procurement

The Parties will cooperate on Georgia's preparations for the implementation of the Procurement Chapter of the Association Agreement and the related reforms. The work will include:

Medium-term priorities

Providing precise and timely information on planned legislative work affecting procurement policy and its implementation, both for the legal approximation and the set-up of institutions in the field of public procurement. A comprehensive roadmap has already been adopted by the Government of Georgia on 31 March 2016, covering five phases of actions to be implemented during the period from 2016 to 2022. The Parties will further discuss the roadmap, also in view of ensuring the alignment of the Georgian public procurement legislation with the EU public procurement acquis as foreseen in the Association Agreement. 

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

The Parties will cooperate on Georgia's preparations for the approximation to the EU acquis and international standards on the protection of intellectual property rights as provided for in the Association Agreement. Cooperation will include:

Medium-term priorities

Ensuring rights holders from both Parties a high level of IPR protection and enforcement;

Strengthening the enforcement capacity of relevant governmental bodies or executive agencies, as well as ensuring proper functioning of the judicial system to guarantee access to justice for rights holders and implementation of sanctions;

Supporting functioning of the National Intellectual Property Centre of Georgia “Sakpatenti” in order to ensure protection of industrial property rights and copyright]; extending cooperation with third country authorities and industry associations;

Taking measures to increase public awareness in the field of intellectual and industrial property protection and ensuring effective dialogue with rights holders;

Taking effective measures against counterfeiting and piracy, including production of statistical information on those activities to be shared between the Parties.

Competition

Medium-term priorities

The Parties will cooperate on implementation of the Competition Chapter of the Association Agreement and the related reforms. Cooperation will tackle Georgia's institutional framework and relevant administrative capacity to guarantee effective implementation of relevant legislation, as well as enhanced dialogue on legislative enforcement in the competition area and related legislations.

Transparency

Short- term priorities

The Parties will pay special attention to cooperation when preparing for the implementation of commitments on transparency in trade-related policy-making. The parties will discuss best practices and respective experience in transparent policy-making, exchange information and provide relevant training, including on communication mechanisms and stakeholder consultations, as well as conduct seminars and other events for the wider public, aimed at explaining the implementation of the Association Agreement and the approximation process.

Trade and Sustainable Development

Medium-term priorities

The Parties will continue their dialogue on the issues covered by the Chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development of the Association Agreement, in particular exchanging information on the development of an appropriate labour inspection system for all international fundamental labour standards, implementation of the Labour Code, ratification and implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and implementation of other commitments related to sustainable development, as well as discuss and exchange best practices on the future implementation of the commitments under the Chapter with regard to stakeholder involvement and civil society dialogue.

The Parties agree that the priorities relating to trade unions' rights and core labour standards in section 2.2 and the priority identified in section 2.6 are highly relevant for the implementation of the "Trade and Sustainable Development" chapter, and should therefore be addressed in relation with this part of the Association Agreement.

  

2.6 Economic Development and Market Opportunities

Agriculture and Rural Development

The Parties will cooperate on:

Short-term priorities

Adoption of the Rural Development Strategy of Georgia 2017-2020 and its implementation.

Medium-term priorities

Modernising and improving the efficiency of institutions responsible for agriculture development, including through participation of all relevant sector stakeholders in this process;

Facilitating the gradual adoption of marketing standards for agriculture products to support a higher food safety and the implementation of quality schemes;

Improving the competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural production, by fostering economies of scale via market-oriented agriculture cooperatives, by developing advisory and extension systems to increase production and augment exports; and by easing access to viable credit and financial resources for agriculture;

Supporting the development of efficient value chains and supporting SMEs to increase their competitiveness in selected sectors with high export value;

Moving towards the progressive convergence and implementation of effective agricultural and rural development policies, on the basis of proven EU models;

Enhancing employment and living conditions in the rural areas through improved management of natural resources, improved services and infrastructure and diversification of the rural economy;

Develop further the thematic cooperation and information exchange, including by making best use of the Joint Declaration on a Regional Policy Dialogue between the European Commission and the Government of Georgia.

Public Internal Financial Control and External Audit

The Parties will cooperate with the aim to ensure the development of public financial control and external audit by:

Short-term priorities

Further develop the internal control system under decentralised managerial responsibility, including functionally independent internal audit in state authorities by ensuring harmonisation with generally-accepted international standards, frameworks and EU good practice;

Medium-term priorities

Continue to improve the internal control and internal audit system in the public sector in line with a gap assessment between actual practice and generally accepted international standards, frameworks and EU good practice;

Ensure further development of the external audit function of the Court of Accounts (State Audit Office of Georgia), in line with generally-accepted international standards (INTOSAI);

Taxation

The Parties will enhance and strengthen cooperation aimed at the improvement and development of Georgia's tax system and administration, based on EU and international standards, including preparation for gradual approximation to the EU acquis and international instruments as laid down in the relevant annex of the Association Agreement, in particular by:

Improving and simplifying tax legislation;

Improving international tax cooperation in order to enhance good governance in the tax area i.e. the principles of transparency, exchange of information and fair tax competition;

Improving capacity of the tax administration, in particular by moving towards a more focused, risk based system for tax control and audits;

Taking measures to harmonise policies in counteracting and fighting fraud and smuggling of excisable products;

Developing cooperation with the tax administrations of EU Member States by exchanging new experiences and trends in the field of taxation.

Statistics

The Parties will cooperate in order to prepare for approximation to the EU acquis in the field of statistics, in particular by:

Medium-term priorities

Introduction of quality reporting for most of the statistical surveys;

Completing the introduction of SNA 2008;

Alignment of the Business Statistics Methodology with EU standards and business statistics oriented on the future data requirements as contained in the Framework Regulation for Integrated Business Statistics (FRIBS); promote sharing experience of the EU countries in implementing FRIBS is desirable for enhancing the alignment process;

Address statistical discrepancies in measuring bilateral EU-Georgia trade data;

Ensure availability of statistics and data to researchers, journalists and the broader public.

Consumer Policy

In view of the preparation for the implementation of the EU acquis and international instruments mentioned in relevant Annexes to the Association Agreement, the Parties will cooperate in:

Strengthening consumer protection in Georgia, notably through training of government officials and other consumer interest representatives on the approximation with EU legislation and its subsequent implementation.

Company Law, Accounting and Auditing and Corporate Governance

The Parties will cooperate in view of Georgia's preparation for the approximation implementation of the EU acquis and international instruments mentioned in the relevant Annex to the Association Agreement, and in particular on Georgia’s efforts to make greater use of their regular dialogue to deepen cooperation and discuss steps which should be taken.

Short-term priorities

Identify areas in which the EU could provide further training and capacity-building.

Medium-term priorities

Development of administrative capacity of relevant state institutions;

Develop company and other relevant laws with regard to EU acquis;

Ensure the implementation of the rules set by the new Company law related to the compulsory disclosure of information;

Introduce relevant international auditing standards at national level and promote their application by all listed companies at national level;

Provide timely, relevant and precise information about the state of play and development of the existing legislation in Georgia and its conformity with the EU acquis and exchange in advance relevant information concerning necessary institution- and capacity building relevant to the approximation of the EU acquis; (NB In this context, the government adopted the Action Plan for Financial Reporting and Auditing Reform. One of the tangible outcomes is the law on Accounting, Reporting and Auditing enacted on 8 June 2016.)

Financial Services

The cooperation will aim at preparing Georgia for the modernisation of its financial regulatory and supervisory framework, so as to conform itself to internationally agreed regulatory standards in the field of financial services, using EU legislation and international instruments referred to in the relevant annexes to the Association Agreement as a reference to develop a set of rules appropriate for Georgia. This cooperation shall include the following actions and contribute to achieving the following objectives:

Short-term priorities

Identifying areas in which training and capacity-building should be provided.

Establishing contacts and exchanging information with the EU financial supervisors in line with the Association Agreement;

Providing timely, relevant and precise information about the state of play and development of the existing legislation in Georgia

Medium-term priorities

Create a new regulatory and supervisory framework conform with internationally agreed regulatory standards, including new supervisory approach, tools and instruments;

Improving the administrative capacity of supervisory authorities

Continue cooperation with FATF, the Council of Europe, MONEYVAL, as well as relevant authorities in EU Member States and signing Memoranda of Understanding between financial intelligence authorities of Georgia and EU Member States.

Industrial and Enterprise Policy and Mining

The Parties will cooperate to improve the business and regulatory environment, in particular for SMEs, including microenterprises, in particular by:

Short-term priorities

Implementation of the Georgian SME Strategy and the corresponding Action Plan for 2016-2017;

Medium-term priorities

Implementation of the country-specific roadmap and the recommendations of the SBA (Small Business Act) Assessment to the extent possible;

Linking SME development to the opportunities created by the DCFTA including through business (support) networks (such as the Enterprise Europe Network) and clusters;

Strengthening the role of business and SME associations (including sectoral associations) in order to improve Public-Private Dialogue;

Encouraging opportunities for Georgian start-ups to enter the EU and Georgian markets.

Through the dedicated Subcommittee the Parties will exchange information on mining and metals to achieve better understanding of Georgian and EU policies, including the implementation of the EU Raw Materials Initiative, the Horizon 2020 research programme and the European Innovation Partnership on Raw Materials.

Tourism

Through the dedicated Subcommittee the Parties will exchange information on development of tourism in Georgia and in the EU, including on relevant events and best practices.

Employment, Social Policy and Equal Opportunities

The Parties will cooperate in order to:

Short-term priorities

Prepare for the approximation and implementation of the EU acquis in the areas of health and safety at work, labour law and working conditions, and gender equality and anti-discrimination as mentioned in the relevant annexes to the Agreement, and in particular to establish an appropriate law enforcement and supervision system in line with EU approaches (starting with the Occupational Health and Safety area) and to build capacity of social partners (e.g. training on EU health and safety legislation and standards and EU legislation and standards regarding labour law);

Roll out the newly defined public employment services with adequate capacities and in line with requirements of the European public employment services,

Further improve capacities of social services and of the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Affairs in order to strengthen the capacities of the administration in charge of developing and implementing employment and social policies respecting the equal opportunities principles.

Medium-term priorities

Continue establishing an effective labour inspection system in line with ILO and EU standards in order to ensure administrative and enforcement capacities in the areas of health and safety at work and labour law, and strengthen relevant judiciary bodies; and complement the legal framework necessary to establish a fully-fledged labour inspection system;

Develop a strategic approach to employment, aiming at more and better jobs with decent working conditions, better matching of skills and jobs in the labour market and promoting active labour market measures and efficient employment services, with a particular focus on youth;

Enhance the level of social protection, including through implementation of universal health care insurance whilst making the social protection system more supportive to work take-up and ensuring its adequacy and financial sustainability;

Ensure well-functioning social dialogue through the effective functioning of the Tripartite Social Partnership Commission and capacity-building of social partners.

Cooperation in the Field of Digital Economy and Society

The Parties will cooperate to prepare for implementation of EU acquis mentioned in relevant annexes of the Association Agreement and support Georgia on:

Medium-term priorities

Efforts to approximate the legislation in the field of electronic communications with the EU acquis;

Activities dedicated to strengthening the independence and administrative capacity of the national regulator in the field of communications, in order to ensure its ability to take appropriate regulatory measures and enforce its own decisions and all applicable regulations and to guarantee fair competition in the markets;

Strengthening the sector by exchanging information and experience on the implementation of the Digital Single Market (DSM);

Efforts to increase the cyber resilience of key critical infrastructure sectors and public sector organisations, drawing from the experience of implementing the EU new cyber security legislation "Network and Information Security Directive".

Fisheries and Maritime Policy

The Parties will cooperate on:

Short-term priorities

Fostering an integrated approach to maritime affairs, especially by contributing to the development of cross-sectoral initiatives in the maritime domain by establishing a working group on maritime affairs composed of the relevant ministries and services, and by identifying areas of common interest and actively cooperating with coastal States and maritime stakeholders in the Black Sea region, in the context of the EU Integrated Maritime Policy.

Medium-term priorities

Improving and enhancing monitoring and control of fishing activities and of trade in fisheries products and their traceability, in order to effectively fight Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU fishing);

Taking necessary steps to achieve sustainable fisheries in the Black Sea, both in bilateral and multilateral frameworks on the basis of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management;

Increasing scientific and technical co-operation with a view to ensure the capacity of monitoring fisheries based on sound and reliable data, and of evaluating the state of marine resources and of the marine environment;

Public Health

The Parties will cooperate on:

Supporting Georgia prepare for the implementation of the EU health acquis, as mentioned in the relevant annexes of the Association Agreement, in particular in the area of blood safety, tobacco control, quality and safety of substances of human origin (blood tissues, organs, cells), and communicable diseases in line also with Georgia’s international obligations under the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the International Health Regulations.

Putting in place the Universal Health Coverage that is considered a main priority of the government and is reflected inter alia in an increase of public expenditure on health and comprehensive reforms to strengthen the health care sector;

Strengthening preparedness, training and epidemiological surveillance and control of communicable diseases through inter alia: 1) Georgia’s participation in the Mediterranean Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (MediPIET); 2) cooperation with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC); 3) ensuring sustainability of national HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis prevention and control programmes;

Strengthening national multi-sectorial action to fight anti-microbial resistance inter alia by strengthening surveillance, prudent use of antimicrobials and infection control in healthcare settings.

  

2.7Connectivity, Energy Efficiency, Environment, Climate Action and Civil Protection

Transport

The Parties will cooperate to enhance further implementation of the EU acquis in all transport modes mentioned in relevant annexes of the Association Agreement and to support Georgia in:

Medium-term priorities

Pursuing the implementation of the EU aviation acquis in order to take full advantage of the EU-Georgia Common Aviation Area Agreement;

Activities to improve safety across transport modes (aviation, road, maritime);

Develop infrastructure, in particular by preparing and implementing further projects for the development of the extended core TEN-T network, as agreed at the 2016 Rotterdam TEN-T days ministerial meeting.

Energy Cooperation

The Parties will cooperate with the aim to:

Short-term priorities

Completing Georgia's formal accession to the Energy Community Treaty as a contracting Party in line with the Association Agreement;

In the line with the terms and conditions set out in the protocol of accession to the Energy Community Treaty and in the Association Agreement, implement relevant legislation in the fields of electricity, renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy statistics, energy-related environment, and prospection of hydrocarbons.

Medium-term priorities

Taking steps towards the integration of Georgia's energy market with that of the EU, and strengthening Georgia' energy security and regulatory convergence through the further implementation of relevant EU legislation, including related secondary legislation, applicable to Georgia, in line with the AA and Energy Community commitments and in accordance with the timeline agreed by Georgia in these frameworks;

Cooperate on attracting international support for sustainable energy development including that from international climate funds and other financial instruments.

Reinforcing Georgia's energy infrastructure network and interconnections, in particular:

– with regard to electricity, promoting cross-border trade and interconnections with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey and reinforcing Georgia's transmission grid;

– with regard to natural gas, expansion of main gas pipelines, including facilitating the implementation of the expansion of the South Caucasus gas pipeline on the Georgian territory, as well as support/promotion of other gas and oil transit projects of regional importance such as TANAP, TAP, AGRI, EAOTC and etc. to ensure the transportation of Caspian energy resources to western markets];

Environment

The Parties will cooperate with the aim to:

Short-term priorities

Enhance environmental governance by adopting and implementing new legislation in Georgia on environmental impact assessment, strategic environmental assessment, new legislation on environmental liability, by ensuring public access to environmental information and public participation in decision-making, by involving all interested stakeholders, as well as by integrating environment into other policy areas and by improving environmental information sharing in line with the principles of the Shared Environmental Information System (SEIS);

Adopt the 3rd National Environmental Action Programme of Georgia (2017-2021);

Adopt the National Radioactive Waste Management Strategy.

Medium-term priorities

Implement the 3rd National Environmental Action Programme of Georgia (2017-2021) according to the NEAP 3 timeframe;

Continue approximation of legislation of Georgia to EU acquis and implement the provisions of EU Directives and Regulations as envisaged in the relevant Annexes of the Association Agreement;

Draw up a roadmap for the ratification and implementation of multilateral environmental agreements, including among others UNECE Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, and UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents. Become a party to Espoo Convention and its protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment.

  

Climate Change

The Parties will cooperate with the aim to:

Short-term priorities

Finalise and adopt a Low Emission Development Strategy of Georgia.

Medium-term priorities

Approximate legislation of Georgia to EU acts and international instruments as envisaged by the Association Agreement in accordance with the relevant Annexes thereof;

Take necessary steps to ratify the Paris Climate Agreement and implement the nationally determined contributions to the global response to climate change;

Mainstream climate action in sectoral policies and measures and strengthen the capacity of different authorities to implement climate action across sectors;

Enhance Georgia's transparency framework for climate action, in particular through a robust national system for the monitoring and reporting of climate policies, measures and greenhouse gas emissions based upon the EU model.

Adopt and implement Georgia's mid-century, long-term low greenhouse gas emission development strategy.

  

Civil Protection

The Parties will cooperate in order to reinforce disaster prevention, -preparedness and -response. To that end the Parties will i.a.:

Short-term priorities

Explore ways to define the most appropriate elements of cooperation in relation to the risk profile, legislative and organisational framework of Georgia, e.g. through bilateral administrative arrangements or Letters of Intent;

Achieve progress on the development of a country-wide disaster risk assessment and mapping and support as necessary the development of the Electronic Regional Risk Atlas (ERRA) and ensure its effective utilisation at national and regional level;

Medium-term priorities

Ensure effective communication on a 24-hour basis including exchange of early warnings and information on large scale emergencies affecting the EU and Georgia, as well as third countries where the Parties are involved in disaster response;

Facilitate mutual assistance in case of major emergencies, as appropriate and subject to the availability of sufficient resources;

Promote the adoption and implementation of the EU guidelines on host nation support;

Improve the knowledge base on disaster risks by enhancing cooperation on data accessibility and comparability;

Progress with the development of a country-wide disaster risk assessment and mapping and to support as necessary the development of the Electronic Regional Risk Atlas (ERRA) and ensure its effective utilisation at national level;

Initiate the extension of the Copernicus European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) to Georgia in cooperation with the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission;

Improve prevention of and preparedness for industrial and NATECH (natural hazard triggered technological) disasters;

Establish dialogue on the policy aspects of disaster prevention, preparedness and response through exchange of best practices, joint trainings, exercises, study visits, workshops and meetings on lessons learnt gained from real emergency situations or exercises.

  

2.8Mobility and People to People

Cooperation in Research, Technological Development and Innovation

The Parties will cooperate on:

Short-term priorities

Developing a vision and strategy for the Georgian STI system within the European Research Area involving policymakers, the academic and research community, business and civil society leaders;

Supporting the development and implementation of Innovation policy, including regulatory framework and infrastructure for innovation.

Medium-term priorities

Maximising the benefits to Georgia of its Association to the Horizon 2020 programme and encouraging increased participation under the Research and Training Programme of Euratom, complementing Horizon 2020, particularly in the field of nuclear safety and radiation protection based on competitive calls;

Reinforcing human, material and institutional resources in order to improve research and innovation capacities;

Supporting Georgia to gradually approximate its legislation to the relevant EU legislation and international instruments within the stipulated timeframes in annex XXIX of the AA.

Education, Training and Youth

The Parties will cooperate on the overall modernisation and reform of Georgia's education, training and youth systems, in particular by:

Medium-term priorities

Carrying out joint work and exchanges with a view to promoting Georgia's further integration into the European Higher Education Area in the context of its membership of the Bologna process, including through strengthening an independent and development-oriented quality assurance system, promoting active participation of stakeholders and civil society in the reform processes and strengthening the academia-labour market cooperation for a greater employability of graduates;

Promoting academic cooperation, capacity building and student and staff mobility through the Erasmus+ programme as well as researchers' mobility, career development and training through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions;

Encouraging a strategic approach to vocational education and training (VET) with a view to bringing Georgia's VET system in line with the modernisation of EU VET structures as pursued in the Copenhagen Process and through its instruments and respecting the equal opportunities principles;

Strengthening a strategic approach to youth policy and enhancing exchanges and cooperation in the field of non-formal education for young people and youth workers, as a means to promote intercultural dialogue and support civil society, inter alia through the youth strand of Erasmus+;

Ensuring right to education for all children and young individuals, including those with special educational needs; developing the education system according to their special educational needs.

Cooperation in the Cultural Field

The Parties will:

Promote the implementation of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions;

Cooperate on the development of an inclusive cultural policy in Georgia and on the preservation and valorisation of cultural and natural heritage with a view to fostering socio-economic development;

Promote the participation of Georgian cultural and /audio-visual operators in cultural/audio-visual cooperation programmes, in particular Creative Europe;

Cooperation in Audio-visual and Media Field

The Parties will cooperate to prepare for implementation of EU acquis mentioned in relevant annexes of the Association Agreement and support Georgia in:

Medium-term priorities

Work towards reinforcement of independence and professionalism of the media in compliance with relevant European standards and approximation of the audio-visual legislation with the EU acquis as envisaged by the Association Agreement, inter alia by exchanging of views on audio-visual policy, relevant international standards including co-operation in the fight against racism and xenophobia;

The exchange of best practices and regarding freedom of the media, media pluralism, decriminalisation of defamation, protection of journalist sources and cultural diversity aspects of media through regular dialogue;

Strengthening the capacity and independence of regulatory authorities/bodies for media.

  

Regional Development and Regional Level Cooperation

The Parties will cooperate in the framework of regional development policies and the EU Georgia Dialogue on Regional Policy, in view of Georgia’s efforts to:

Short-term priorities

Successfully complete implementation of its Regional Development Programme 2015-2017, including through establishment of effective inter-institutional coordination and multi-level governance mechanisms.

Prepare a successor multiannual programme, including potential investments in areas such as innovation and SME's, with a view to building sustainable growth for all regions of Georgia;

Medium-term priorities

Further support authorities for strengthening multi-level governance and capacity building efforts of sub-national administrations and other regional development agencies;

Support integrated, multi-stakeholder actions for Georgia's territorial development such as in the area of spatial planning, water and waste management, roads, electricity and other basic infrastructure, diversification of the rural economy, tourism and business development.

Develop further the thematic cooperation and information exchange, including by making best use of the Joint Declaration on a Regional Policy Dialogue between the European Commission and the Government of Georgia;

Participation in EU Agencies and Programmes

The parties will:

Medium-term priorities

Review the implementation of the Protocol on Participation in EU Programmes on the basis of the actual participation of Georgia in specific EU Programmes.

Public outreach and visibility

The parties will cooperate to ensure a well-informed discussion, including with a broader public and Georgian citizenry about the opportunities and implications of Georgia’s EU-approximation, including the Association Agenda and specifically the DCFTA.

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