Tbilisi, 1 July 2016 - The Association Agreement between Georgia and the EU took full effect today, officially opening a new chapter of EU-Georgia relations with increased trade and deepened cooperation and dialogue on a wide range of policy issues.
"Today is a particularly symbolic day for Georgia, as it marks the official entry into force of our Association Agreement with the European Union. This step is much more than just a formality: it is the result and reward for years of ambitious reforms which have overhauled judicial and electoral procedures, and brought significant improvements to citizens' rights and living conditions. It cements Georgia's relations with a partner which, for years, has been our model and end destination. Importantly, it marks the opening of a new chapter of Georgia-EU relations, which will touch areas as wide as environmental protection, transport, education, and energy," Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said.
The provisional application of the Agreement since September 2014 has already driven Georgian exports to the EU up by 16% in 2015 and brought new products such as fruit, nuts and wine to EU markets.
"Georgian citizens will increasingly be able to reap the benefits of closer association with the EU as a result of our Association Agreement," EU neighbourhood chief Johannes Hahn said. "Better business opportunities for Georgian small- and medium-sized enterprises[...] and enhanced energy efficiency: these are just a few areas where we already saw promising signs," he said.
Looking to the next step on Georgia's path towards closer integration with the EU, visa liberalisation, the Prime Minister stressed that "abolishing visa requirements for short-term visits for Georgian citizens in the near future is a crucial milestone in terms of EU approximation".
The Association Agreement foresees cooperation and approximation in areas such as security policy, trade, economic growth, and governance. Following important reforms implemented by the Government since 2013, the country increasingly aligns with international standards of democracy and rule of law.
The two sides are currently setting out short- to medium-term priority reform areas with the association agenda for 2017-2020.