Civil Georgia, Georgia
March 2 2005
European Commission Outlines Reform Goals for Georgia
The European Commission (EC) recommended to significantly intensify
relations with Georgia through the development of an Action Plan
under the EU’s Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), the European Commission’s
Delegation to Georgia and Armenia reported on March 2.
This recommendation is based on the Commission’s Country Report
published on March 2, which provides a comprehensive overview of the
political and economic situation in Georgia and the state of its
bilateral relations with the EU.
`The European Neighbourhood Policy gives us an opportunity to take
relations with Georgia up a gear. I very much hope that the Council
will give the go ahead to negotiate an Action Plan, so that we can
work out a joint agenda for action in the coming years. Progress in
our relationship will reflect the efforts and successes of the
country itself,’ Commissioner for External Relations and European
Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner said, according to the
press-release issued by the EC Delegation.
The key objectives for an Action Plan outlined by the EC are as
follow:
– Strengthening respect for the rule of law (reform of judiciary, law
enforcement agencies, penitentiary) and enhanced human rights
protection;
– Strengthening of democratic structures and pluralism (reform of
parliament, strengthening independence of media, reform of local self
government, electoral reform);
– Improvements in the business climate as well as public sector
modernization
– Reform of tax and customs administrations and legislation and
strengthening the fight against corruption and fraud
– A transparent privatization process
– Progress in poverty reduction, sustainable development;
environmental protection
– Progress in the resolution of conflicts and enhanced regional
cooperation.
– Prudent macroeconomic policies need to be maintained to support
effective implementation of an Action Plan.
European Union included Georgia, together with Armenia and
Azerbaijan, in its Neighbourhood Policy last June.