2016-10-28
"The European Union is proud to be both a model and supporter of the efforts pursued by the Government of Georgia!" Stated H.E. Janos Herman, Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary Ambassador of EU to Georgia at a briefing held jointly with H.E. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia today.
EU has concluded an agreement with Georgia for the allocation of 30 million Euros within the scope of a program supporting the Public Administration Development in the country. Prime Minister of Georgia and EU Ambassador made statements on the milestone achievement to the press.
In the opinion of EU Ambassador "public administration is indeed a backbone of the state. It is a tool for serving the interests of its population in all sectors. Appropriate performance in public administration is a corner stone of genuine democracy and economic development. It is also crucial for ensuring credibility and trust among the general public to the state and its institutions." He strongly believes that EU will lead to the development of public administration in Georgia. "Georgia's National Reform Strategy, adopted in 2015 is based upon the European principles of public administration. The European Union is proud to be both a model and a supporter of actions taken by the Government of Georgia. Public administration efforts are our common goal under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement (AA). As a matter of fact, this reform is an important component of the implementation of the AA itself. No doubt, we recognize the importance of the public administration reform. It represents 25% of the current bilateral EU support to Georgia. The objective of moving forward with the process shared between us led to the adoption of a 4-year program in the value of 30 million Euros, we have announced today. The European Union contribution will be financial, through Budget Support, but also technical through the mobilization of expertise to reinforce the administration capacity and skills" noted the EU Ambassador.
He particularly thanked the Prime Minister of Georgia for his demonstrated commitment towards the Public Administration Reform Agenda and successful policy dialogue with the European Union.
"Your Excellency, let me thank you for your personal support to our common endeavor. I would like to also take this opportunity to praise the quality of the dialogue between the Georgian Government and the European Union during the entire preparation of this program. This reform reflects a high spirit of partnership between us and high level of ownership by Georgia. We are sure this same spirit will continue throughout the implementation phase. I look forward to working together in the years to come to fully achieve the objectives set out in the program we announced today" concluded the EU Ambassador.
Prime Minister of Georgia commended on the engagement of EU, European friends and partners as a great support and cooperation, thereby expressing his gratitude towards the EU Ambassador.
"I wish to thank the EU Delegation to Georgia and personally H.E. Janos Herman, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the European Union for the demontrated support and cooperation. EU is one of the largest donors, with an exposure of many years in a row. It actively assists the country in the implementation of democratic and intensive reforms. Many successful reform agendas have been resulting from the EU support in Georgia. Since 2011 we have benefited of over 450 million Euros of EU support manifesting in grant financing and technical assistance (TA). Also, I wish to thank everyone, actively supporting the country in reforming this most important sector - be them donor agencies with a footage in the country, international organizations or local NGOs" stated the Prime Minister of Georgia.
In his opinion, reform anticipated in the public administration, will play a vital role in the development of democracy in Georgia by building strong and independent public institutions and advancement of the national economy. He also believes that public administration reform is one of the key aspects of the Four Point Plan announced by the Government of Georgia and a most prominent commitment assumed under the EU Association Agreement.
"Public Administration Reform Agenda aims to establish an efficient governance system, public services and modernization of policy planning to introduce the European practices and experience in the country. Also, it aspires to achieve a greater progress in public funds management (PFM) and Open Governance. It is targeted at our citizens by development of a modern public service delivery system. We have already succeeded in achieving tangible results within the scope of the reform. Draft Law on Public Service has been developed and submitted to the Parliament of Georgia. It was endorsed last October. Our Government has also adopted a Policy-Making System Reform Strategy along with an Action Plan, which is being implemented at present. We are working hard on developing the goal-oriented management, monitoring, accountability and reporting, performance appraisal systems to further improve the strategy of public service delivery, e-governance and other segments of the public administration" noted the Prime Minister of Georgia.
He expressed optimism towards future prospects of cooperation between EU and Georgia, leading to an intensified interaction in public administration, thereby contributing to a more vigorous integration with EU.
Public Administration Support Program envisages the allocation of 30 million Euros through Budget Support, transfer of knowledge and expertise.
Public Administration Reform, being a key aspect of the Four Point Plan of the Government of Georgia, has been implemented since 2014 through the coordination of the Government Administration and is aimed at the establishment and development of a transparent, projected, responsive and effective public administration system.
Public Administration Reform comprises various aspects of governance: policy-making and coordination, human resource management (HRM), accountability and reporting, public service rendering, public funds management (PFM) and local self-governance.
Prime Minister's Press Office