2015-12-19
Dear friends,
Today is a historic day for all Georgians. Today, Georgia took a step forward on its path to European integration, a step which will define our future in the European family of nations.
Just recently, the European Commission issued its long-awaited report on Georgia's implementation of the Visa Liberalization Action Plan.
The Commission stated unambiguously that the Georgian Government has successfully fulfilled its obligations before the European Union. All reforms have been implemented in full to ensure visa liberalization.
And this means unequivocal consent to visa-free travel!
Thanks to our successful reforms, we have achieved the Association Agreement with the EU, and now the clearly positive assessment of the visa liberalization process will further strengthen the foundation of a free, strong, and unified Georgia.
Based on the Commission's recommendation, next year Georgian citizens will be able to travel to the European Union without visas.
Obviously, it does not mean that they can buy tickets and travel to Europe right away. There are stages to be completed before the final decision, which, judging by the experience of other countries, may take several months.
Yet, today we took the most important step to this end.
The European Union practically recognizes our commitment to European values, Georgia's aspirations and progress on its path to the European community, and the Government's consistent efforts dedicated to rapid and effective reforms. Our work has been recognized and commended by our European colleagues. Georgia has showed once again that it is a frontrunner of the Eastern Partnership.
In response, Europe says that it is open to Georgian citizens.
Today, the dream of our generation, and that of many in the past, has come true. Despite a number of internal and external obstacles, the joint effort of the people and the Government has yielded tangible results.
This historic decision marks the beginning of a new stage in our country's development. Brand new possibilities are opening up for Georgia. Increasing exchange of expertise with Europeans at every level, twining between cities, student and civil society exchanges, membership in European associations, free trade, and others will soon acquire a totally new, deep and meaningful dimension.
Our citizens will be able to stay in the European Union for up to 90 days per six months. They will be able to plan last-minute family trips or business meetings, surprise their friends and relatives, attend summer schools, and participate in conferences and trade fairs.
The impressive cooperation between Europe and Georgia, which stems from the efforts invested by many people, is a tribute to professionalism of all government agencies of Georgia and the continuous support provided by our European partners and the European Union. Together we have come a long way.
I thank everyone who has worked selflessly to make this dream come true.
First, I thank the Georgian people who, even in times of trials and tribulations, never doubted that Europe, its values and way of life, is not just a rational choice, but our historical home as well.
The word Europe embodies everything we strive to attain: freedom for every citizen and rule of law, prosperity and equality, peace and a bright future for our children, and equal development opportunities for all. Most importantly, Europe is an environment where we can fully realize our uniqueness.
And this is the path to Georgia's unification! Only by building a modern European state can we be attractive to our Abkhazian and Ossetian brothers and sisters. A day will come when they will also enjoy the benefits of European integration.
This success is the beginning of a new journey.
Once again, I congratulate our country on this victory!
Prime Minister of Georgia
Irakli Garibashvili