Georgia–European Union relations

Last updated

European Union–Georgia relations
European Union Georgia Locator 2013.png
Flag of Europe.svg
European Union
Flag of Georgia.svg
Georgia
Diplomatic mission
European Union Delegation, TbilisiMission of Georgia, Brussels

The European Union and Georgia have maintained relations since 1992, following an agreement between the former European Community and the newly independent Georgia. [1] In 2006, a five-year "Action Plan" of rapprochement was implemented in the context of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). In 2009, relations between the two were further upgraded under the auspices of Eastern Partnership. In 2016, a comprehensive Association Agreement between the EU and Georgia went into force, providing Georgian citizens with visa-free travel to the EU, as well as access to some sectors of the European Single Market. Following Brexit, most of the existing EU-Georgia agreements applicable to the United Kingdom were renegotiated and agreed upon in 2019 bilaterally with the United Kingdom.

Contents

Georgia is a candidate for EU membership. Both the governing Georgian Dream and opposition United National Movement support Georgia's integration in the EU, and nearly all parties in the Georgian parliament are pro-Western in orientation. A European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia has been operating since 2009. In January 2021, Georgia was preparing to formally apply for EU membership in 2024. [2] [3] However, on 3 March 2022, Georgia submitted its membership application ahead of schedule, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. [4] In December 2023, EU officially granted candidate status to Georgia. [5]

In April 2023, a nationwide poll by the International Republican Institute found that 89 percent of Georgians support joining the EU, the highest number recorded for years. [6]

Adjara crisis (2004)

In Adjara, leader Aslan Abashidze was forced to resign in May 2004 following the Rose Revolution. EU CFSP Chief Javier Solana indicated in February 2007 that the EU could send troops to Georgia alongside Russian forces. [7]

South Ossetia crisis (2006–08)

The EUMM patrols the South Ossetian administration boundary line in armored SUVs in February 2012. EUMM-Georgia 2012.jpg
The EUMM patrols the South Ossetian administration boundary line in armored SUVs in February 2012.

In July 2006 the European Union referred to then recent developments in South Ossetia zone of and to the Resolution of the Georgian Parliament on Peacekeeping Forces Stationed in the Conflict Zones, which was adopted on 18 July 2006 as follows:

The European Union is deeply concerned about continuing tension between Georgia and Russia and recent incidents in South Ossetia, which do not contribute to stability and freedom of movement. The European Union is particularly worried by the recent closure of the only recognized border crossing between Georgia and the Russian Federation. The European Union emphasises the importance of ensuring freedom of movement of goods and people, in particular by keeping the border crossing at Zemo Larsi open. — [8]

After the 2008 South Ossetia war an EU cease-fire monitoring mission in Georgia (EUMM Georgia) was sent to monitor the Russian troop withdrawal from "security zones" established by Russia around South Ossetia and Abkhazia. [9] The mission started on 1 October 2008 [10] and was prolonged by the EU in July 2009 for one year while the EU expressed concern that Russia was blocking other observers from working there [11] A United Nations Security Council resolution aimed at extending its UN Observer Mission in Georgia was vetoed by Russia on 15 June 2009. [12]

European Neighbourhood Policy Action Plan (2006–11)

On 2 October 2006, a joint statement on the agreed text of the Georgia-European Union Action Plan within the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) was issued. The Action Plan was formally approved at the EU-Georgia Cooperation Council session on 14 November 2006 in Brussels. [13]

Association Agreement (2013–present)

President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Council Charles Michel during the 2021 Batumi International Conference. In 2014, the EU signed Association Agreements with all the three states. Batumi International Conference, on 19 July 2021 05 (cropped).jpg
President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Council Charles Michel during the 2021 Batumi International Conference. In 2014, the EU signed Association Agreements with all the three states.
Georgian flag in front of the Council of Europe Georgia Europe.jpeg
Georgian flag in front of the Council of Europe

To enhance their relationship, the EU and Georgia began negotiating an Association Agreement (AA) and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. [14] In November 2012, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Stefan Fule stated that the AA negotiations could be finalized by November 2013. [15] In February 2013, Tamar Beruchachvili, the Deputy State Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Georgia, stated that Georgia had no plans to join the Eurasian Economic Union, [16] which Fule has warned Ukraine would be incompatible with the agreements with the EU. [17] A ceremony on the initialling of the AA by the Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton was held at the Eastern Partnership summit on 29 November 2013. [18] [19] It was formally signed on 27 June 2014, [20] and had to be ratified by the EU, Euratom, their member states and Georgia. A second agreement, governing the country's involvement in EU crisis management operations, was also signed. [21]

The Association Agreement, much of which provisionally came into force in September, has been fully ratified by Georgia and all EU member states. [22] On 18 December 2014 the European Parliament approved the Association Agreement. Members backed the treaty by 490 votes in favour to 76 against, with 57 abstentions. [23] The agreement entered into force on 1 July 2016. [22]

Parliament building in Tbilisi 2014 Tbilisi, Stary budynek parlamentu (01).jpg
Parliament building in Tbilisi
Georgia-European Union Association Agreement poster in Tbilisi 2014 Tbilisi, Plakat umowy stowarzyszeniowej miedzy Gruzja a Unia Europejska.jpg
Georgia-European Union Association Agreement poster in Tbilisi
EU-States which ratified Association Agreement with Georgia Georgia-European Union Association Agreement.svg
EU-States which ratified Association Agreement with Georgia

Ratification

The EU-Georgia Association Agreement was ratified by legislative bodies of every single EU member state. Detailed ratification timeline and vote counts are outlined in the below collapsible list (click the "show" button to expand the list):

Full ratification timeline
Signatory DateInstitution Symbol thumbs up.svg Symbol thumbs down.svg AB Deposited [22] Reference
Flag of Austria.svg Austria 8 July 2015 National Council Approved28 August 2015 [24]
23 July 2015 Federal Council Approved [24]
Presidential Assent Granted
Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium
23 April 2015 Chamber of Representatives 10117201 February 2016 [25] [26]
Royal Assent (federal law)
1 July 2015
Walloon
Parliament
(regional)
(community)
6324 [27]
6124 [27]
22 June 2015 German-speaking Community 1621 [28]
24 June 2015 French Community 7108 [29]
20 November 2015 Brussels Regional Parliament 6933 [30] [31]
20 November 2015
Brussels United
Assembly
[32]
(FR language)
(NL language)
5331 [33] [34]
1402 [33] [34]
17 June 2015
Flemish
Parliament
(regional)
(community)
8218 [35]
8719 [35]
24 June 2015 COCOF Assembly7108 [36] [37]
Flag of Bulgaria.svg Bulgaria 24 July 2014 National Assembly 91009 September 2014 [38]
28 July 2014 Presidential Assent Granted [39]
Flag of Croatia.svg Croatia 12 December 2014 Parliament 1160124 March 2015 [40]
18 December 2014 Presidential Assent Granted [41]
Flag of Cyprus.svg Cyprus 7 May 2015 House of Representatives Approved18 August 2015 [42]
22 May 2015 Presidential Assent Granted [43]
Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic 18 March 2015 Senate 560612 June 2015 [44]
29 April 2015 Chamber of Deputies 116151 [44] [45]
19 May 2015 Presidential Assent Granted [46]
Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 18 December 2014 Parliament 1017018 February 2015 [47]
Flag of Estonia.svg Estonia 4 November 2014 Assembly 660012 January 2015 [48] [49]
13 November 2014 Presidential Assent Granted [48]
Flag of Europe.svg European Union and EAEC 18 December 2014 European Parliament 490765719 April 2016 (EAEC)
23 May 2016 (EU)
[23]
Council of the European Union
Flag of Finland.svg Finland 10 March 2015 Parliament Approved6 May 2015 [50]
24 April 2015 Presidential Assent Granted [51]
Flag of France.svg France 29 October 2015 Senate Approved15 December 2015 [52]
25 June 2015 National Assembly Approved [52]
9 November 2015 Presidential Assent Granted [52]
Flag of Germany.svg Germany 8 May 2015 Bundesrat Approved22 July 2015 [53]
26 March 2015 Bundestag Approved [54]
27 May 2015 Presidential Assent Granted [55]
Flag of Georgia.svg Georgia 18 July 2014 Parliament 1230025 July 2014 [56]
Presidential Assent Granted
Flag of Greece.svg Greece 18 November 2015 Parliament Approved14 December 2015 [57]
24 November 2015 Presidential Promulgation Granted [58]
Flag of Hungary.svg Hungary 25 November 2014 National Assembly 127607 April 2015 [59]
5 December 2014 Presidential Assent Granted [59]
Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland 27 January 2015 Dáil Éireann 5819017 April 2015 [60]
Flag of Italy.svg Italy 26 November 2015 Senate 20237103 February 2016 [61]
29 July 2015 Chamber of Deputies 3109334 [61]
7 December 2015 Presidential Assent Granted [62]
Flag of Latvia.svg Latvia 14 July 2014 Parliament 81002 October 2014 [63]
18 July 2014 Presidential Assent Granted [64]
Flag of Lithuania.svg Lithuania 8 July 2014 Parliament 840129 July 2014 [65]
11 July 2014 Presidential Assent Granted [66]
Flag of Luxembourg.svg Luxembourg 18 March 2015 Chamber of Deputies 552012 May 2015 [67]
12 April 2015 Grand Ducal Promulgation Granted [68]
Flag of Malta.svg Malta 21 August 2014 House of Representatives Approved29 August 2014 [69] [70] [71]
Flag of the Netherlands.svg Netherlands 7 July 2015 Senate Adopted21 September 2015 [72]
7 April 2015 House of Representatives 119310 [73]
28 July 2015 Royal Promulgation Granted [72]
Flag of Poland.svg Poland 5 March 2015 Senate 750022 May 2015 [74]
6 February 2015 Sejm 43901 [75] [76]
26 March 2015 Presidential Assent Granted [77]
Flag of Portugal.svg Portugal 2 April 2015 National Assembly Approved8 October 2015 [78]
19 May 2015 Presidential Assent Granted [79]
Flag of Romania.svg Romania 2 July 2014 Chamber of Deputies 2980014 July 2014 [80]
3 July 2014 Senate 11102 [81]
9 July 2014 Presidential Assent Granted [82]
Flag of Slovakia.svg Slovakia 23 September 2014 National Council 1170121 October 2014 [83]
16 October 2014 Presidential Assent Granted [84]
Flag of Slovenia.svg Slovenia 13 May 2015 National Assembly 693027 July 2015 [85] [86]
21 May 2015 Presidential Assent Granted [87]
Flag of Spain.svg Spain 27 May 2015 Senate Approved28 July 2015 [88]
30 April 2015 Congress of Deputies 30301 [89]
Royal Assent Granted
Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden 26 November 2014 Parliament 2494409 January 2015 [90]
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom 23 February 2015 House of Commons Approved8 April 2015 [91]
9 March 2015 House of Lords Approved [92]
19 March 2015 Royal Assent Granted [93]

Accession of Georgia to the European Union

President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Council Charles Michel during the 2021 Batumi International Conference. In 2014, the EU signed Association Agreements with all the three states. Batumi International Conference, on 19 July 2021 03 (cropped).jpg
President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the European Council Charles Michel during the 2021 Batumi International Conference. In 2014, the EU signed Association Agreements with all the three states.
Countries that could join the European Union
.mw-parser-output .legend{page-break-inside:avoid;break-inside:avoid-column}.mw-parser-output .legend-color{display:inline-block;min-width:1.25em;height:1.25em;line-height:1.25;margin:1px 0;text-align:center;border:1px solid black;background-color:transparent;color:black}.mw-parser-output .legend-text{}
Current members
Candidate countries
Applicant / potential candidate countries
Membership possible European Union future possible members 2.0.png
Countries that could join the European Union
  Current members
  Candidate countries
  Applicant / potential candidate countries
  Membership possible

On 12 January 2002, the European Parliament noted that Georgia may enter the EU in the future. [94] The European Parliament passed a resolution in 2014 stating that "in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, as well as any other European country, have a European perspective and can apply for EU membership in compliance with the principles of democracy, respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, minority rights and ensuring the rule of rights." [95] Membership is welcomed by Georgians, with 77% of the population approving the government's goal to join the EU and only 11% opposing it. [96]

Georgia's former President Mikheil Saakashvili has expressed a desire for Georgia to join the EU. [97] This view has been explicitly expressed on several occasions as links to the United States, EU and NATO have been strengthened in an attempt to move away from the Russian sphere of influence. [98] Territorial integrity issues in Ajaria were dealt with after the Rose Revolution, when leader Aslan Abashidze was forced to resign in May 2004. However, unresolved territorial integrity issues have again risen to the forefront in South Ossetia and Abkhazia as a result of the 2008 South Ossetia War. On 11 November 2010, Georgian Deputy Prime Minister Giorgi Baramidze announced that Georgia wants to cooperate with Ukraine in their attempt to join the European Union. [99]

The European Parliament notes that in accordance with Article 49 of the Treaty with the EU, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, like any other European country, have a European perspective and can apply for EU membership in accordance with the principles of democracy - it said in a resolution of the European Parliament in Brussels, adopted at the last session before the elections to the European Parliament, which took place on 23–25 May 2014. [100]

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said at a press conference in Brussels on 27 June 2014 that Georgia could be a full EU member within 5–10 years. However, he stressed that Georgia had not fixed a date for bidding for EU membership. [101]

Georgia officially applies for EU membership

On 17 January 2021, Irakli Kobakhidze was elected the chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party. He announced plans for Georgia to officially apply for EU membership in 2024. Amid the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian War, this was expedited to 3 March 2022. [102] On 7 March, the EU said it will formally assess Georgia's application. [103] On 11 April, Georgia has received EU Membership Questionnaire to fill out and send it back for the review in May. [104] According to Garibashvili, the response to the first part was submitted by May 2, remarking on his Twitter account, "I am sure of Georgia's success on in pursuit of the ultimate goal of the Georgian people", [105] [106] while the second and final part was submitted on 10 May 2022. [107]

On 17 June 2022, the European Commission recommended that Georgia be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union, but deferred recommending it be given candidate status until after certain conditions were met. [108] On 23 June 2022, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the immediate granting of candidate status for membership of the European Union to Ukraine and Moldova, as well as to support the European perspective for Georgia. [109] [110] On 23 June 2022, the European Council expressed readiness to grant Georgia the status of a candidate for accession to the European Union after a set of recommended reforms. [111]

The EU asked Georgia to complete economic reforms including more investment in education, renewable energy generation, and transportation. Requested political reforms included reduced political polarization, election reforms, judicial reform, stronger anti-corruption institutions, implementing "de-oligarchisation", reducing organized crime, protect journalists from government interference and criminal threats, protect vulnerable groups against criminal human rights violations, improve gender equality, reduce violence against women, increase decision-making influence of civil society, and make the Public Defender more independent. [112]

In March 2023, the Georgian government withdrew draft legislation putting controls on "foreign agents", after condemnation from EU officials. [113]

In September EU foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, advised that Georgia needed to do more to advance in its accession aims. [114] In this/Borrell's 8 September 2023 visit to Georgia Borrell stated that nine of the 12 conditions, as stipulated by the EU in 2022, for granting Georgia its membership candidate status remained unfulfilled. [115] Borrell also condemned Georgia's May 2023 consent to resume direct flights between Georgia and Russia, and he claimed that EU applicant countries should act in accordance with the EU policies of "isolating Russia for invading Ukraine last year". [115] He also stated that the Georgian authorities “must ensure” a “proper environment” to depolarise the existing “tense political scene” and highlighted that the ruling party Georgian Dream announcement made early September 2023 to start an impeachment process against President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili for an alleged unauthorized EU trip could further strengthen political polarization. [115] Borrell also noted that it seemed that Georgia's compatibility with the EU's efforts to have a joint approach on priority issues “was not very high”, and the direction required to be improved. [115]

On 15 September 2023 Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili alleged that the EU would have “no reasons” to reject Georgia's candidacy in December 2023, Garibashvili claimed that “all remaining issues” related to the reform agenda outlined by the EU in 2022 for granting the status would be resolved by the end of that month (September 2023). [116]

On 6 October 2023, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković highlighted his support for granting Georgia EU candidate status during the European Political Community Summit in Granada, Spain. [117]

On 12 October 2023, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has called EU's 2022 rejection of membership candidate status for Georgia "very disappointing" and "unfair decision" in light of granting the candidacy to Moldova and Ukraine. Orban has also said that the decision contradicts the "European interests". [118]

On 13 October 2023, the National Assembly of Bulgaria passed a resolution in favor of granting Georgia EU candidate status. [119]

Romanian ambassador to Georgia reaffirmed Romania's support for granting Georgia the candidate status in December 2023. [120]

On 8 November 2023, the European Commission recommended giving candidate status to Georgia. [121] In December 2023, the European Council of Ministers agreed to giving candidate status to Georgia. [5]

Visa liberalization dialogue

In June 2012, the EU and Georgia began a visa liberalisation dialogue to allow for visa-free travel of Georgian citizens to the European Union. The talks aimed to have a Visa Liberalisation Action Plan in place by the end of the year. [14] The action plan was delivered to Georgia on 25 February 2013. [122] The new project on 'Strengthening the capacity of the Georgian Government in border management and migration regulation' which was launched in Tbilisi by the EU Delegation to Georgia, will be implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), the EU Delegation to Georgia said in its statement on 24 January 2014. Thus, Georgia will take another step towards visa-free travel to the Schengen area through an EU-funded project which will help to increase the capacity of the Georgian authorities in the field of integrated border management and migration. [123] In December 2015, the Commission issued a progress report that found that Georgia met all the conditions for its citizens be granted visa-free travel to the Schengen area. [124] The European Commission formally proposed Georgia be granted visa free travel in March 2016. [125] The Committee of Permanent Representatives gave its approval in October 2016, and it was approved by the European Parliament in February 2017. [126] [127] On 8 March 2017 the Official EU Journal published a legislation allowing Georgians owning biometric passports to travel to the Schengen Area visa-free. [128] The legislation came into full effect on 28 March 2017, allowing Georgian citizens to travel for short periods to most EU member countries without a visa. [129]

Georgia's foreign relations with EU member states

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foreign relations of Moldova</span> Overview of the foreign relations of Moldova

After achieving independence from the Soviet Union, the Republic of Moldova established relations with other European countries. A course for European Union integration and neutrality define the country's foreign policy guidelines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Commonwealth of Independent States</span> Eurasian intergovernmental organization

The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is a regional intergovernmental organization in Eurasia. It was formed following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. It covers an area of 20,368,759 km2 (7,864,422 sq mi) and has an estimated population of 239,796,010. The CIS encourages cooperation in economic, political, and military affairs and has certain powers relating to the coordination of trade, finance, lawmaking, and security, including cross-border crime prevention.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enlargement of the European Union</span> Accession process of new countries to the European Union

The European Union (EU) has expanded a number of times throughout its history by way of the accession of new member states to the Union. To join the EU, a state needs to fulfil economic and political conditions called the Copenhagen criteria, which require a stable democratic government that respects the rule of law, and its corresponding freedoms and institutions. According to the Maastricht Treaty, each current member state and the European Parliament must agree to any enlargement. The process of enlargement is sometimes referred to as European integration. This term is also used to refer to the intensification of co-operation between EU member states as national governments allow for the gradual harmonisation of national laws.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moldova–European Union relations</span> Bilateral relations

Relations between the European Union (EU) and Moldova are currently shaped via the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), an EU foreign policy instrument dealing with countries bordering its member states.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ukraine–European Union relations</span> Bilateral relations

International relations between the European Union (EU) and Ukraine are shaped through the Ukraine–European Union Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). Ukraine is a priority partner within the Eastern Partnership and the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The EU and Ukraine have been seeking an increasingly close relationship, going beyond co-operation, to gradual economic integration and deepening of political co-operation. On 23 June 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine the status of a candidate for accession to the European Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accession of Albania to the European Union</span> Ongoing accession process of Albania to the EU

Albania is on the current agenda for future enlargement of the European Union (EU). It applied for EU membership on 28 April 2009, and has since June 2014 been an official candidate for accession. The Council of the European Union decided in March 2020 to open accession negotiations with Albania.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union</span> Accession process of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union

The accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European Union (EU) is the stated aim of the present relations between the two entities. Bosnia and Herzegovina has been recognised by the European Union as a "candidate country" for accession since the decision of the European Council in 2022 and is on the current agenda for future enlargement of the EU. Bosnia and Herzegovina takes part in the Stabilisation and Association Process and trade relations are regulated by an Interim Agreement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Armenia–European Union relations</span> Bilateral relations

Armenia and the European Union have maintained positive relations over the years. Both parties are connected through the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed in 2017. Former Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan expressed confidence that the new partnership agreement would "open a new page" in EU–Armenia relations. Meanwhile, the former High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini concluded in June 2019, that Armenia–EU relations are on an "excellent" level.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accession of Kosovo to the European Union</span>

The accession of Kosovo to the European Union (EU) is on the current agenda for future enlargement of the EU. Kosovo is currently recognized by the EU as a potential candidate for accession.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Potential enlargement of the European Union</span> Potential candidates for admission into the European Union

There are nine recognised candidates for membership of the European Union: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Kosovo formally submitted its application for membership in 2022 and is considered a potential candidate by the European Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accession of Georgia to the European Union</span> Ongoing accession process of Georgia to the EU

The accession of Georgia to the European Union (EU) is on the current agenda for future enlargement of the EU.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georgian Dream</span> Georgian political party

Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia is a political party in Georgia. The party was established on 19 April 2012 by the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili. Georgian Dream and its partners in a coalition also named Georgian Dream won majorities in the 2012, 2016, and 2020 general elections. The party is currently led by Irakli Garibashvili as Party Chairman and Irakli Kobakhidze as Prime Minister.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accession of Ukraine to the European Union</span> Ongoing process of Ukraine joining the EU

On 28 February 2022, four days after it was invaded by Russia, Ukraine applied for membership of the European Union (EU). Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy requested immediate admission under a "new special procedure", and the presidents of eight EU states called for an accelerated accession process. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen stated that she supports Ukrainian accession, but that the process would take time. On 10 March 2022, the Council of the European Union asked the commission for its opinion on the application. On 8 April 2022, von der Leyen presented Zelenskyy with a legislative questionnaire, which Ukraine responded to on 9 May.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irakli Garibashvili</span> Prime Minister of Georgia (2013–2015, 2021–2024)

Irakli Garibashvili is a Georgian politician and a former business executive who served as the prime minister of Georgia between 22 February 2021 and 29 January 2024. He had previously served as prime minister from 20 November 2013 until his resignation on 30 December 2015. Garibashvili is a member of the Georgian Dream party and has served as the party's chairman since 1 February 2024. He entered politics with his long-time associate Bidzina Ivanishvili, in October 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area</span> Free trade areas made between the EU, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine

The Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA) are three free trade areas established between the European Union, and Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine respectively. The DCFTAs are part of each country's EU Association Agreement. They allow Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine access to the European Single Market in selected sectors and grant EU investors in those sectors the same regulatory environment in the associated country as in the EU. The agreements with Moldova and Georgia have been ratified and officially entered into force in July 2016, although parts of them were already provisionally applied. The agreement with Ukraine was provisionally applied since 1 January 2016 and formally entered into force on 1 September 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Accession of Moldova to the European Union</span> Ongoing accession process of Moldova to the EU

The accession of Moldova to the European Union (EU) is on the current agenda for future enlargement of the EU.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicu Popescu</span> Moldovan diplomat and politician

Nicolae "Nicu" Popescu is a Moldovan author and diplomat who served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova from 6 August 2021 until 26 January 2024 in the Gavrilita and then Recean cabinets. He was also Moldova's Foreign Minister from 11 June - 14 November 2019 in the Sandu Cabinet. Until his appointment, he was the director of the Wider Europe programme of the European Council on Foreign Relations and visiting professor at Sciences Po-Paris.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Second Garibashvili government</span> Incumbent government of Georgia

The second government of Irakli Garibashvili was the government of Georgia, led by Irakli Garibashvili as the Prime Minister from February 22, 2021 until January 29, 2024. Following the resignation of Giorgi Gakharia, the ruling Georgian Dream party nominated former Prime Minister and then-Minister of Defence Irakli Garibashvili to form a government. His cabinet was quickly confirmed by the Parliament four days later. The government was dissolved after Prime Minister Garibashvili's resignation on January 29, 2024. Garibashvili cited the rotation process as the main reason for his resignation, implying that other people in the ruling party should also be given a chance to lead. Garibashvili took up the offer to become the Chairman of the Georgian Dream party.

Individuals and events related to Georgia in 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2023 Georgian protests</span> Protests in Georgia

The 2023 Georgian protests were a series of street demonstrations taking place throughout Georgia over parliamentary backing of a proposed "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence", which requires NGOs to register as "agents of foreign influence" if the funds they receive from abroad amount to more than 20% of their total revenue. Police have been reported as using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protests, especially in the capital Tbilisi. The parliament retracted the bill as a result of protests on 10 March 2023.

References

  1. Commission Opinion on Georgia's application for membership of the European Union, European Commission: 17 June 2022. Quote: "The European Community established relations with Georgia in 1992."
  2. Makszimov, Vlagyiszlav (22 January 2021). "Georgian president visits Brussels in push for 2024 EU membership application". www.euractiv.com. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  3. "Georgia-EU Relations Within Georgia's 2024 Objective to Apply for the EU Membership". GeorgianJournal (in Georgian). Retrieved 24 January 2021.
  4. "Georgia, Moldova Formally Apply for EU Membership Amid Russia's Invasion of Ukraine". Radiofreeeurope/Radioliberty.
  5. 1 2 European Council conclusions on Ukraine, enlargement and reforms , European Council, 14 December 2023
  6. James, Emilia (25 April 2023). "IRI Georgia Poll Finds Support for EU Accession High, Weariness of Russian Presence, Lack of Faith in Political Parties". International Republican Institute. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  7. Solana raises prospect of EU soldiers in Georgia EU Observer
  8. "Ministry Of Foreign Affairs Of Georgia – OSCE". Archived from the original on 21 December 2014. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  9. Q&A: Conflict in Georgia, BBC News (11 November 2008)
  10. Tbilisi Must Build Closer Relationship With EU, Former Georgian Envoy Says, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (5 October 2008)
  11. EU extends Georgia cease-fire monitor mission, Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review (27 July 2009)
  12. Georgia Slams Russia For Shutting Down UN Mission, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (16 June 2009 )
  13. EU, Georgia Sign ENP Action Plan Archived 13 August 2008 at Archive-It , Civil Georgia, 2 October 2006.
  14. 1 2 "EU, Georgia Making 'Good Progress' in Association Agreement, Visa Liberalization Talks". Civil Georgia. 3 September 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  15. "EU Commissioner: EU, Ukraine May Sign Association Agreement Next Year". PR Newswire. 30 November 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2013.
  16. "Georgian minister: EU remains priority despite 'Russian rapprochement'". EurActiv. 14 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  17. Auyezov, Olzhas (8 February 2013). "Reform quickly or lose deals, EU tells Ukraine". The Star . Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  18. "Initialling of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement". European External Action Service. 29 November 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  19. "Georgia-EU association agreement initialled". 29 November 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  20. "EU forges closer ties with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova". European External Action Service. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
  21. "President: Georgia is ready to contribute to EU crisis management operations". 29 November 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  22. 1 2 3 "Agreement details". Council of the European Union . Retrieved 4 July 2014.
  23. 1 2 "European Parliament ratifies EU-Georgia association deal" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  24. 1 2 "579 d.B. (XXV. GP) - Assoziierungsabkommen zwischen der Europäischen Union und der Europäischen Atomgemeinschaft und ihren Mitgliedstaaten einerseits und Georgien andererseits" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  25. "La Chambre des représentants de Belgique" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  26. Votes seance Pleniere du 23 Avril 2015 (in French)
  27. 1 2 "COMPTE RENDU INTÉGRAL, Séance plénière*" (PDF). Parlement.wallonie.be. 1 July 2015.
  28. "Ausfuhrlichter Bericht" (PDF). Parliament of the German-speaking Community . Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 23 September 2015.
  29. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 4 October 2015. Retrieved 10 September 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  30. "Recherche Projets et propositions" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  31. "Séance plénière vendredi 20/11/2015" (PDF). Irisnet. Retrieved 9 December 2015.
  32. "Assemblée réunie". Common Community Commission. Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 31 May 2013.
  33. 1 2 "Recherche Projets et propositions" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  34. 1 2 Compte rendu intégral C.R.I. N° 10 – Session 2015-2016
  35. 1 2 "Verslag plenaire vergadering woensdag 17 juni 2015 19.29u - Vlaams Parlement" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  36. "Décret portant assentiment à l'Accord d'association entre l'Union européenne et la Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique et leurs Etats membres, d'une part, et la Géorgie, d'autre part, fait à Bruxelles le 27 juin 2014 — Parlement de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles / Communauté française" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  37. "100000002018075" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  38. "Народно събрание на Република България - Стенограми от пленарни заседания" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  39. "Народно събрание на Република България - Закони" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  40. "Hrvatski sabor" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  41. "Zakon o potvrđivanju Sporazuma o pridruživanju između Europske unije i Europske zajednice za atomsku energiju i njihovih država članica, s jedne strane, i Gruzije, s druge strane" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  42. "Parliament Of Cyprus" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  43. "ΝΟΜΟΘΕΣΙΑ - ΜΕΡΟΣ ΙII" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 March 2016.
  44. 1 2 "Sněmovní tisk 336". psp.cz. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  45. "Hlasování Poslanecké sněmovny - 27/62". psp.cz. Retrieved 6 April 2018.
  46. "Aktuální tiskové zprávy" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  47. "Folketinget - 2014-15 (1. samling) - Svar på spørgsmål 1178842" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  48. 1 2 Ühelt poolt Euroopa Liidu, Euroopa Aatomienergiaühenduse ja nende liikmesriikide ning teiselt poolt Gruusia vahelise assotsieerimislepingu ratifitseerimise seadus 705 SE Riigikogu (in Estonian) Archived 13 December 2014 at the Wayback Machine
  49. "Hääletustulemused / kohalolekukontroll". Riigikogu.
  50. "Trip" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  51. "Finland ratifies EU association agreements with Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia - Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland: Current affairs" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  52. 1 2 3 "Accord avec la Géorgie" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  53. "Bundesrat - Suche - Entwurf eines Gesetzes zu dem Assoziierungsabkommen vom 27. Juni 2014 zwischen der Europäischen Union und der Europäischen Atomgemeinschaft und ihren Mitgliedstaaten einerseits und Georgien andererseits" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  54. "DIP21 Extrakt" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  55. "Bundesgesetzblatt" (PDF). Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  56. "Georgia's Parliament ratifies EU-Georgia Association Agreement" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  57. "Αναζήτηση" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  58. "Προβολή ΦΕΚ A 156/2015".
  59. 1 2 "Iromány adatai" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  60. "Parliamentary Debates" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  61. 1 2 "Parlamento Italiano - Disegno di legge C. 3131 - 17ª Legislatura" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  62. "Settimana degli atti firmati". Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  63. "Darba kārtība" . Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  64. "Par Asociācijas nolīgumu starp Eiropas Savienību un Eiropas Atomenerģijas kopienu un to dalībvalstīm, no vienas puses, un Gruziju, no otras puses". vestnesis.lv. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  65. "Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas - Svarstymo eiga" . Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  66. "Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas - Document Text" . Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  67. "6730 - Projet de loi portant approbation de l'accord d'association entre l'Union européenne et la communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique et leurs Etats membres, d'une part, et la Géorgie, d'autre part, signé à Bruxelles, le 27 juin 2014". Chamber of Deputies.
  68. "Mémorial A n° 69 de 2015 - Legilux" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 April 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  69. "Maltese Ministry for Foreign Affairs memo on the Signature of Association Agreements with the Republic of Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine". Maltese Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 December 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  70. "Maltese European Union Act" (PDF). justiceservices.gov.mt/. Maltese Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  71. "Foreign and European Affairs Committee - Twelfth Legislature (2013 - ) Sitting Number: 22 - Monday, 21 July 2014". parlament.mt. Maltese House of Representatives. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  72. 1 2 "Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal - Goedkeuring Associatieovereenkomst tussen de Europese Unie en de Europese Gemeenschap voor Atoomenergie met Georgië (34.115)" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  73. "Wijziging van de Wet op het primair onderwijs, de Wet op de expertisecentra, de Wet op het voortgezet onderwijs en de Wet educatie en beroepsonderwijs in verband met de invoering van het lerarenregister en het registervoorportaal" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  74. "Senat Rzeczyposoplitej Polskiej". senat.gov.pl. Senat Rzeczyposoplitej Polskiej. Retrieved 5 March 2015.
  75. "Druk nr 3059" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  76. "Głosowanie nr 9 - posiedzenie 86". sejm.gov.pl. Sejm Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej. Retrieved 7 February 2015.
  77. "Ustawy podpisane - Marzec 2015 r." prezydent.pl. Prezydent Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej. Retrieved 26 March 2015.
  78. "Iniciativa" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  79. Decreto do Presidente da República n.º 32/2015 Diário da República, 1.ª série — N.º 99 — 22 de maio de 2015
  80. "Votul electronic 02.07.2014". cdep.ro. ROMANIA Chamber of Deputies. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
  81. "Stenograma şedinţei Senatului din 3 iulie 2014" (PDF). senat.ro. ROMANIA Senat. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
  82. "Decrete semnate de președintele României, domnul Traian Băsescu, miercuri, 9 iulie a.c." presidency.ro. ROMANIA President. 9 July 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2014.
  83. "Národná rada Slovenskej republiky - hlasovanie poslancov".
  84. "Prezident Slovenskej republiky" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  85. "Portal DZ - Izbran zakon / akt". dz-rs.si. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  86. "Portal DZ - Izbrano glasovanje". dz-rs.si. Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  87. Zakon o ratifikaciji Pridružitvenega sporazuma med Evropsko unijo in Evropsko skupnostjo za atomsko energijo in njunimi državami članicami na eni strani ter Republiko Moldavijo na drugi strani (MPSAEMD) (Uradni list
  88. "Iniciativas parlamentarias - Senado de España" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  89. "Búsqueda de iniciativas - Congreso de los Diputados". www.congreso.es.
  90. Riksdagsförvaltningen. "Ärende" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  91. "House of Commons Hansard Debates for 23 Feb 2015 (pt 0004)". Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons, Westminster. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  92. "Lords Hansard text for 09 Mar 2015 (pt 0001)". Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Lords, Westminster. Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  93. "The European Union (Definition of Treaties)(Association Agreement)(Georgia) Order 2015" . Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  94. Zahorka, Hans-Juergen. "How Could America Approach the European Union?" (PDF). Libertas-institut.com. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 November 2004. Retrieved 16 December 2017.
  95. "Georgia can apply for EU membership if it complies with democratic principles". Trend.Az. 18 April 2014.
  96. "Public attitudes in Georgia: Results of a April 2014 survey carried out for NDI by CRRC-Georgia" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 December 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  97. "Georgia proposes Ukraine cooperate in bidding to join EU". Interfax. 11 November 2010. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2013.
  98. "Saakashvili: Georgia 'should never leave path' of EU integration". EurActiv. 8 November 2011. Retrieved 10 June 2013.
  99. "Georgia proposes Ukraine cooperate in bidding to join EU". Interfax. Archived from the original on 31 May 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
  100. "Грузия может подать заявку о членстве в ЕС при условии соблюдения принципов демократии - Европарламент". 18 April 2014.
  101. "Georgia can be full EU member in 5-10 years". Trend.Az. 28 June 2014.
  102. "Georgia, Moldova Formally Apply For EU Membership Amid Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 3 March 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  103. Barigazzi, Jacopo (7 March 2022). "EU to officially examine Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia's bids to join the bloc". Politico. Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  104. "Georgia Receives EU Membership Questionnaire". Civil.ge. 11 April 2022. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  105. "Irakli Garibashvili submits EU questionnaire's part one to Carl Hartzell" . Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  106. Garibashvili, Irakli [@GharibashviliGe] (2 May 2022). "Proud to have handed the Questionnaire to the 🇪🇺 Ambassador to 🇬🇪 @CarlHartzellEU. Thus, we have stepped into the paramount stage of our country's 🇪🇺 integration path. I am sure of 🇬🇪's success on in pursuit of the ultimate goal of the Georgian people. https://t.co/HlO31tQY9L" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 3 June 2022. Retrieved 10 February 2023 via Twitter.
  107. "Irakli Garibashvili submits EU questionnaire's 2nd part to Carl Hartzell" . Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  108. Свобода, Радіо (17 June 2022). "Єврокомісія: Молдові рекомендуємо статус кандидата в ЄС, Грузії – поки що відмовляємо". Радіо Свобода (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 17 June 2022.
  109. "The European Parliament has supported candidate status for Ukraine and Moldova". www.eurointegration.com.ua. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  110. "Grant EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova without delay, MEPs demand | News | European Parliament". www.europarl.europa.eu. 23 June 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  111. "European Council conclusions on Ukraine, the membership applications of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, Western Balkans and external relations, 23 June 2022" (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  112. "Press corner". European Commission - European Commission.
  113. "Georgia drops 'foreign agents' law after protests". 9 March 2023 via www.bbc.com.
  114. "Georgia must do more to earn EU membership, Brussels warns". 8 September 2023.
  115. 1 2 3 4 "Borrell stresses "no shortcut" to accomplish EU candidacy reforms, slams anti-Western propaganda in Tbilisi visit". Front News Georgia. 8 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  116. "PM claims EU will have "no reasons" ro reject Georgia's candidacy". Front News Georgia. 15 September 2023. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
  117. "Croatian PM vows support for Georgia's EU candidacy, points to "key importance" of European Commission report". Agenda.ge. 6 October 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  118. "Hungarian PM says EU's 2022 rejection of membership candidate status for Georgia "very disappointing"". Agenda.ge. 12 October 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  119. "Bulgaria Adopts Declaration in Support of EU Candidate Status for Georgia as FM Visits Sofia". Civil Georgia. 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  120. "Romanian Ambassador reaffirms support for Georgia's candidate status". Civil Georgia. 25 January 2023. Retrieved 14 October 2023.
  121. "European Commission Recommends EU Candidacy for Georgia" . Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  122. "Commissioner Malmström presents Action Plan on Visa Liberalisation with Georgia". Europa (web portal). 25 February 2013. Retrieved 17 March 2013.
  123. "EU to assist Georgia in migration and border management". trend.az. 24 January 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2014.
  124. "Commission Progress Report: Georgia meets criteria for visa liberalisation". European Commission. 18 December 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  125. "European Commission proposes to lift visa obligations for citizens of Georgia". European Commission. 9 March 2016. Retrieved 20 April 2016.
  126. "Visas: Council agrees its negotiating position on visa liberalisation for Georgia". Council of the European Union. 5 October 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
  127. "European Parliament Approves Visa-Free Schengen Travel For Georgia". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 24 February 2017.
  128. Legislation Official Journal of the European Union
  129. "Jubilant Georgians Ring In Visa-Free Travel To EU". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 28 March 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2017.