23.8.2022
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
L 218/45
EU-Georgia cooperation, including within the Eastern Partnership, also aims to support the delivery of many global policy objectives, including the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals to which they are both committed.
The cooperation will strengthen the international rules based order and contribute to building a stronger Europe in the world.
In this context, the following reform actions should be addressed as a matter of priority.
A.
Key priorities for action
1.
In the field of resilient, sustainable and integrated economies
1.1.
Economic development, business and investment climate
The parties will cooperate to boost economic development and economic integration between Georgia and the EU, to the benefit and welfare of Georgian citizens.
This will reduce socioeconomic and educational inequalities and improve working conditions while at the same time ensuring progressive decarbonisation and climate neutrality of the economy.
Given the circumstances, it will be crucial to address the socio-economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic while building short-term and long-term resilience.
This should translate in efforts to ensure that a post-COVID-19 recovery is green, and that environmental and climate targets are achieved.
Upholding labour protection and promoting decent work will also be critical for a sustainable and equitable recovery.
Improving the business and investment climate, creating a level playing field for all entrepreneurs through rule of law, legal certainty and continuous anti-corruption efforts will be at the centre of attention.
This will also include the further development of business-tobusiness arbitration and enforcement of judicial decisions.
It will be important to ensure direct support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – inter alia through the implementation of the SME Strategy – promote entrepreneurship (including women's and youth entrepreneurship), ensure access to finance and strengthen cooperatives in Georgia’s rural areas.
The implementation of the new Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy for 2021-2027 will contribute to the development of efficient value chains, improve employment in rural areas and support SMEs to increase their competitiveness in selected sectors with high export value.
This will also contribute to the further internationalisation of the economy and integration into EU value chains.
Work towards joining the Single Euro Payments Area will be a key part of the economic cooperation agenda offering an important incentive for businesses and a tangible benefit for the population of Georgia.
Implementation of Regional Development policies shall contribute to a more balanced territorial development, reduce disparities and create the new centres of gravity apart from Tbilisi and Batumi.
At the same time, it is important to continue on the successful path of strong economic and fiscal governance to ensure economic and financial stability and to continue with the modernisation of the financial sector through, for instance, banking sector reform, promotion of capital markets and development of micro-credit.
Further regulatory convergence with EU standards will be important to advance with the full implementation of the commitments under the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area which is a prerequisite for economic integration between Georgia and the EU.
Particular focus will be paid to the implementation of technical regulations, market surveillance, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, including food safety and alignment with European standards.
Implementation of the strategic framework for customs cooperation, enforcement of intellectual property rights as well the full implementation of the Law on Geographical Indications are key to increasing trade.
The parties acknowledge the initiative of the trio of associated partners to enhance the cooperation with the EU, and take good note of the increased coordination amongst them on matters of common interest related to the implementation of the Association Agreements and DCFTAs, and on cooperation within the Eastern Partnership.