WEBINAR: Georgia’s Path to EU Membership and Political Developments in the Region 

On March 26, 2024, Strategic Analysis organized the third online webinar this year with our Young Leaders‘ Programme members. The discussion focused on Georgia’s path to EU membership and current political developments in the region.

Annually, the Council issues resolutions regarding enlargement and the stabilization and association process, assessing the progress of EU candidates and partners on their path towards Europe. In the most recent resolutions from December 2023, Georgia was urged by the Council to exhibit a firm dedication to EU principles, maintain momentum in its reform agenda, and satisfy the conditions outlined in the Commission’s report with genuine and irreversible efforts.

The effective operation of democratic institutions and reforms concerning justice and the rule of law stand as key priorities for Georgia’s continued advancement towards prospective EU membership. The Council expressed appreciation for Georgia’s generally favorable legislative framework, institutional structure, and active civil society, emphasizing their significance as foundational pillars.

Additionally, the Council implored all political stakeholders to foster constructive collaboration and dialogue, surmount polarization, and abstain from actions exacerbating political tensions. Georgia demonstrated overall progress in reforms regarding public administration, public procurement, and the economy. Encouraging continued alignment with EU regulations and standards, the Council advocated for deeper sectoral cooperation between Georgia and the EU, building upon the existing EU-Georgia association agreement and the comprehensive free trade area agreement encompassing the EU, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine respectively.

Furthermore, the Council emphasized its high expectations for Georgia to significantly enhance its alignment with EU Common Foreign and Security Policy stances and the implementation of restrictive measures, notably those targeting Russia and Belarus.