BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7
By Tamilla Mammadova – Trend:
Georgia remains committed to the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, Trend reports citing the European Union (EU) 4th annual Association Implementation report on Georgia.
"Coming months will be key for Georgia to tackle increasing political polarization and to demonstrate its continued reform commitment, particularly in the areas of electoral and judicial reform", the report said.
As noted, Georgia continues to be a reliable and important partner for the European Union.
"EU expects a level playing field and pluralism in the media environment for the elections later this year”, the report says.
According to the EU, it is crucial that Georgia continue to progress on the implementation of key reforms under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.
"Additional structural reforms, for instance on financial infrastructure, better integration in global markets, and improving the investment climate are required to make Georgia's economy more resilient. Continuing to fight abuses of the visa free regime also remains key. The European Union is ready to provide further assistance to support Georgia's efforts,” EU report says.
The report says that with the EU as Georgia's largest trade partner, the country has further aligned its legislation with EU standards and norms to facilitate the trade of food and non-food products.
Additional structural reforms are required to make Georgia's economy less vulnerable to external developments and to enhance the investment climate.
The report says that while efforts towards drafting energy sector legislation have continued, Georgia's overall level of implementation of the energy acquits only amounts to 25 percent, urging for adoption of energy efficiency laws.
“The report once again confirmed the firm will of the Georgian government to carry out all the reforms for Georgia to become an integral part of the EU,” said Georgian Prime Minister’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs Irakli Chikovani.
He stated that the report also confirmed the effectiveness of the reforms being carried out in the country.
---
Follow the author on Twitter: @Mila61979356