On February 9, 2021 European Commission and High Commissioner of Europe for Foreign Affairs and Security released an Annual Report on the Implementation of the EU Association Agreement by Georgia in 2020, which elaborates detailed information on the reforms implemented in the country in a number of areas.
✅ It is noted in the referred document that irrespective of COVID-19 pandemic, Georgia has been pursuing the chosen path to Europe in a steadfast manner. It is also mentioned that country has been successfully continuing compliance with its commitments assumed under the EU Association Agreement, including those related to the approximation with EU Directives and introduction of European standards of human right;
✅ EU reiterated its solid support to the territorial integrity of the country within the internationally recognised borders and speaks about its active involvement in the process of conflict resolution. Peace Initiative of the Government of Georgia branded as a Step Towards Better Future, is underlined in the report as most positively viewed and supported by the EU;
✅ Report also refers to economic and fiscal challenges caused by the pandemic, which are faced by the country. Nevertheless, the report declares that Georgia has maintained its successful achievements in the international rating systems. Among them are the World Bank matrics, which rank Georgia 7th by its business environment among 190 countries of the world and 2nd by the ease of doing business;
✅ It is underlined in the Report that irrespective of the reduced trade volumes, EU as a common trading block remains to be the largest trade partner of Georgia and country continues its efforts for seeking recognition of the Georgian produce at the EU market;
✅ Report promotes Georgia as the most successful country by its participation in the education programs of the EU. Erasmus+ ranks Georgia among its 10 leading countries;
✅ Report also elaborates on the parliamentary elections held in the country in autumn of 2020, which were conducted in a competitive environment in the opinion of international observation organizations, whereby main freedoms were respected. At the same time, report positively assesses amendments made to the election legislation, resulting in holding the parliamentary elections of 2020 under a new system strongly positioning the country on track, which envisages a transition to a fully proportional system of elections by 2024;
✅ Report speaks about the reforms implemented by the Government of Georgia in a number of directions, including the consolidation of democracy and election legislation, human rights, justice, fight against corruption and organized crime, border management, protection of personal data, public administration, economic freedom and trade, competition policy, regional development and decentralisation, healthcare, agriculture, statistics, financial sector, environmental protection, education, youth and innovations, transport and energy;
✅ Report positively assesses the trend of approximation with EU norms and standards, thereby stressing a number of legislative measures taken by the authorities. Inter alia, Report welcomes the following:
· Substantial amendments to the Labour Code and Law of Georgia on Labour Inspection,
· Enactment of the Code on the Protection of the Rights of the Child,
· Steps made forwards within the scope of a Public Administration Reform,
· Amendments made to the Law of Georgia on Competition,
· Amendments to the legislation on public procurement and intellectual property rights;
· Adoption of a new Forest Code, which establishes a system of sustainable management of forest resources;
· Legislative Package on Energy Efficiency, which facilitates the implementation of energy efficiency policy in the country, etc.