GEORGIE - ACTUALITES DE LA DELEGATION DE LA CE
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP, to meet Nika GILAURI, Prime Minister of Georgia
Javier Solana, European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), will meet the Georgian Prime Minister, Nika GILAURI, on Wednesday, 4 March 2009. They will discuss the latest developments in Georgia and EU-Georgia relations.
(4 March, 2009)
Georgia joins the EU over Transnistria restrictions
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the Council Common Position 2009/139/CFSP of 16 February 2009, renewing restrictive measures against the leadership of the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova.
(13 March, 2009)
One small step for GÉANT, one giant leap for the Black Sea region
The Commission today increased the internet capacity available across the Black Sea to researchers in the South Caucasus by switching on the region’s largest computer network for research and education. The EU-funded regional research and education network Black Sea Interconnection (BSI) links the South Caucasus countries and connects them to the high bandwidth, world-leading, pan-European GÉANT network that already serves 30 million researchers. This new connection will enable researchers and students to collaborate with their European peers in 40 countries, by sharing large amounts of data over the network.
(17 March, 2009)
European Council Conclusions
In line with the Commission communication of 3 December 2008, the European Council welcomes the establishment of an ambitious Eastern Partnership and adopts the Declaration annexed to these conclusions. It calls for all necessary preparations to be made for the Eastern Partnership launching summit with the partner countries on 7 May 2009.
(20 March, 2009)
Invitation to contribute an opinion on the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum
The Commission proposed “to support the further development of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)” and, in particular, “to establish an Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum to promote contacts among CSOs and facilitate their dialogue with public authorities”. The Commission services have begun to develop the concept leading to the establishment of the EaP Civil Society Forum.
(25 March, 2009)
EU Presidency Statement prior the April 9 demonstration in Tbilisi
In the context of the opposition demonstration announced for 9 April 2009 in Tbilisi, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union calls on all the parties concerned, including the Government of Georgia, the organizers, and the participants of the demonstration, to act in responsible and peaceful manner and exercise maximum restraint, with due regard to public order and relevant legislation.
(7 April, 2009)
Commission first to act on G20 with strategy to support developing countries
Less than a week after the London Summit, the European Commission outlines a range of actions which the EU can take now to help developing countries weather the ongoing economic crisis.
(8 April, 2009)
Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2008 - a country report on Georgia
Despite this difficult context, Georgia managed to advance the implementation of the ENP Action Plan. Major achievements in the reporting period were the pursuit of the fight against corruption, reforms in the rule of law area, especially in facilitating access to justice, improving detention conditions in the penitentiary system and efforts to combat torture and inhumane and degrading treatment.
(23 April, 2009)
The EU - Georgia Human rights dialogue was launched
The first human rights dialogue meeting between Georgia and the European Union took place on 28 April 2009 in Tbilisi. During the dialogue, the two sides discussed among other issues the reform of the judicial system, enforcement of national human rights legislation, rights of prisoners, freedom of association and assembly, freedom of religion, freedom of expression and media, protection of IDPs and the humanitarian situation following the war in August.
(28 April, 2009)
Statement of Heads of Missions of the EU countries, EC Delegation and EUSR for the South Caucasus
The European Union member states and the European Commission continue to closely follow the ongoing processes in Georgia. Today April 24, 2009, as the protest rallies and actions called for by opposition leaders enter in their third week, the Heads of Missions of the European Union countries, European Commission Delegation and EUSR for the South Caucasus reaffirm that freedom of peaceful assembly is one of the key rights of the citizen in all democratic countries.
(24 April, 2009)
EU Statement on the signature of the agreements between Russia and the Georgian separatist regions
The Presidency of the EU is deeply concerned by the signing of the agreements on the joint protection of borders between Russia and the Georgian separatist regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which are in contradiction with the six point agreement of August 12, 2008.
(4 May, 2009)
Commission launches 2009 Lorenzo Natali Prize for committed journalists
On World Press Freedom Day the Commission is officially launching the Lorenzo Natali Prize for 2009. The prize is awarded in partnership with Reporters Without Borders and the World Association of Newspapers to journalists who have demonstrated a commitment to human rights, democracy and development.
(5 May, 2009)
Eastern Partnership Summit to strengthen EU links with Eastern Europe and South Caucasus
The first Eastern Partnership (EaP) summit in Prague on 7 May will gather leaders from the EU Member States, EU institutions and Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine to launch this new framework of reinforced bilateral and multilateral cooperation. This ambitious initiative will lead to deepening of political and economic relations, more energy security, increased mobility and will give an additional boost to pro-democratic and market oriented reforms in partner countries.
(5 May, 2009)
Statement of the Heads of Missions of the EU countries and the European Commission Delegation
The European Union member states and the European Commission Delegation continue to closely follow the ongoing processes in Georgia. We strongly condemn all acts of humiliation, intimidation and violence. For example, scenes outside the Public Broadcaster where journalists were verbally and physically assaulted prompted our concern and are simply unacceptable.
(6 May, 2009)
Joint Declaration of the Prague Eastern Partnership Summit
The Heads of State or Government and representatives of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, the representatives of the European Union and the Heads of State or Government and representatives of its Member States have met in Prague to bring their relationship to a new level by establishing the Eastern Partnership and have adopted the following Joint Declaration:
(7 May, 2009)
Eastern Partnership Summit: Natural dimension of EU foreign policy
The objective of the Eastern Partnership is to support stability, prosperity and multilateral building of confidence with the aim of contributing to territorial integrity and sovereignty of all partner countries. In addition, it should also support efforts to resolve regional conflicts peacefully.
(7 May, 2009)
Topolánek: Southern Corridor should be modern Silk Road
“The Southern Corridor should not be a one-way road to transport energy feedstock from the Caspian region to Europe”, declared President of the European Council Mirek Topolánek, “but a two-way highway for the exchange of goods, investments, knowledge and people – a modern Silk Road of sorts”. According to Mirek Topolánek, such a corridor could be ushered in by the Nabucco gas pipeline, for instance.
(8 May, 2009)
Speech by José Manuel Barroso at the Summit “Southern Corridor - New Silk Road”
The Commission has been working for several years on developing our energy relations with the countries here today, not least to enable the practical realization of the Southern energy corridor.
(8 May, 2009)
The Declaration - Prague Summit, Southern Corridor
We, the Participants of the Southern Corridor Summit held in Prague on the 8th of May 2009; express our political support to the realization of the Southern Corridor as an important and mutually beneficial initiative, which will lead to the promotion of common prosperity, stability and security of all countries involved.
(8 May, 2009)
EU Statement in reaction to the suspension of negotiations on the OSCE presence in Georgia
The European Union regrets that no consensus could be reached in the Preparatory Committee meeting on the Greek Chairmanship’s Draft Decision on an OSCE Office in Tbilisi and the deployment of OSCE monitors in the framework of the implementation of the six-point agreement of 12 August 2008, that was circulated on 8 May 2009. This was particularly disappointing considering the tireless endeavours by the Chairmanship-in-Office, many months of consultations, and the support of an overwhelming majority of participating States - including all the Member States of the EU.
(14 May, 2009)
External Relations Council welcomes Georgia monitoring mission work
The Council welcomed the work done by the mission in contributing to stabilising, normalising and confidence building in Georgia.
(18 May, 2009)
Joint US-EU statement on Georgia
The United States and the European Union urge Georgia’s government and opposition to end the current stalemate on the streets and begin negotiations immediately and without preconditions on a new program of reforms to invigorate Georgia’s democracy.
(26 May, 2009)
EU welcomes CoE Georgia report
The EU welcomes the report of the Secretary General on the activities for the promotion of Council of Europe values and standards following the conflict in Georgia (SG/INF(2009)5) which is part of the wider package of the documents prepared following the decision adopted by Ministers’ Deputies on 11 of February 2009.
(28 May, 2009)
Declaration on the „Parliamentary elections“ in South Ossetia
The EU is aware that „parliamentary elections“ took place in the South Ossetian region of Georgia on 31 May 2009. The EU does not accept the legality of the “elections”, nor its results. The holding of such elections is illegitimate and represents a setback in the search for a peaceful and lasting settlement of the situation in Georgia. The EU reiterates its firm support for sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
(1 June, 2009)
The Eastern Partnership: getting down to work
Four weeks after the launch of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) the EU and its eastern neighbours are getting down to work. One of the innovations of the EaP is a new multilateral dimension to relations with these countries alongside the bilateral path of cooperation. The first EaP multilateral platform will be held tomorrow, 5 June, in Brussels. It will focus on democracy, good governance and stability. The other platforms, devoted to economic integration, energy and people to people contacts, will also be launched during the month of June.
(4 June, 2009)
The Kura River as a Factor of Integration
The Kura River in the South Caucasus is not just a geographical landmark: it is a factor of integration, deems Anatoly Pichugin, leader of an EU-funded Trans-Boundary River Management Project for Kura. In an interview for the Georgian edition of Argumenty I Facty, Russia’s popular weekly, he underlines the importance of Kura for the region as a whole, uniting Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan in a unique ecosystem that spans a vast territory between the Black and Caspian Seas.
(4 June, 2009)
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the termination of UNOMIG
The EU regrets Russia’s decision to block agreement in the UN Security Council despite efforts to accommodate the concerns of all parties involved and also regrets the Russian veto on the technical roll-over of the United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (UNOMIG) to extend the presence of the Mission. The Mission has proven to be an effective confidence-building measure and an important tool for enhancing stability and security in Georgia as well as the whole South Caucasus region.
(18 June, 2009)
Javier Solana condemns the attack against an EUMM patrol
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), condemned the attack on Sunday against a patrol of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia near the Abkhazian administrative boundary, in which the driver of an accompanying medical vehicle was killed.
(23 June, 2009)
EU Presidency statement on the attack against an EUMM patrol
The Presidency strongly condemns the attack on Sunday against a patrol of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, near the Abkhazian administrative boundary, in which the driver of an accompanying medical vehicle was killed and the doctor was injured.
(25 June, 2009)
The EC allocates €40 mio to multi-country projects in Eastern Europe and Southern Caucasus
The assistance package of €40mio will fund several programmes in different areas such as the strengthening of culture policies and civil society, support of SME networks, border management, air quality governance and disaster preparedness. All the projects to be financed with this programme will have a regional scope as they each will each benefit at least two of the seven partner states along the Eastern border of the EU (Russia, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, Belarus, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia).
(3 July, 2009)
Commission provides further €2 million in humanitarian aid for conflict-affected people in Georgia
The European Commission has allocated a further €2 million for internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees and affected resident populations in Georgia who still rely on government and international community assistance to meet their basic needs.
(7 July, 2009)
EU Declaration on Russian President Medvedev’s visit to the Georgian region of South Ossetia
The EU notes that the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, has paid a visit to the Georgian region of South Ossetia without the prior consent of the Government of Georgia. The EU considers this visit as incompatible with the principle of territorial integrity and is concerned about its effects on the international efforts to stabilise the region.
(16 July, 2009)
The European Commission allocates €70 million for key investment projects in the EU’s Neighbourh
The Neighbourhood Investment Facility (NIF), a key instrument of the intensified European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), will benefit in 2009 from a €70 million contribution by the European Commission. These resources will allow neighbouring partner countries to leverage increased funding for major investment projects in areas such as energy, transport and environment, and also SME development and the social sector.
(20 July, 2009)
Council conclusions on EUMM Georgia
The Council has decided to extend the mandate of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) for another 12 months until 14 September 2010.
(27 July, 2009)
EU Statement in the OSCE on Georgia
The position of the European Union on Georgia is well known and has not changed. The EU remains firmly committed to playing a full role in the resolution of this crisis, including in the Geneva talks and on the ground. A peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict must be based on full respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders.
(30 July, 2009)
Invitation to submit expressions of interest in the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum
To ensure the transparency of the process leading to the establishment of the EaP CSF all interested parties were invited to provide their opinion via links on the web sites of European Commission/External Relations and of the EC Delegations in partner countries.
(3 August, 2009)
EU Declaration on Russian Prime Minister Putin’s visit to the Georgian region of Abkhazia
The European Union notes with concern that the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, has paid a visit to the Georgian region of Abkhazia, without prior consent of the Georgian authorities. The EU does not consider this visit compatible with the principle of territorial integrity nor helpful for the international efforts to stabilise the region.
(13 August, 2009)
EU statement in the OSCE on Georgia
The European Union notes that during the recent month, one year after the August 2008 conflict in Georgia, the situation has remained generally stable, without major incidents. The EU reiterates its firm support for the security and stability of Georgia, based on full respect for the principles of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity recognised by international law, including the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and United Nations Security Council resolutions.
(3 September, 2009)
Erasmus Mundus: closer educational ties between the European Union and Georgia
The first Erasmus Mundus award ceremony marked a special day for the educational mobility between the European Union and Georgia. Two students from Shota Rustaveli State University of Batumi - Inga Tsintskiladze and Tinatin Zoidze - have been awarded as best Georgian undergraduate and master’s students respectively in the academic year 2007/2008 under the Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window (EM ECW). In doing so, the EM ECW wishes to further highlight its mission: to encourage academic and cultural exchanges between the European Higher Education Institutions and those of the South Caucasus. This has been achieved through the promotion of exchanges addressing students and academics from eleven universities of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and six European Higher Education institutions.
(3 September, 2009)
EU and Georgia start negotiations on a Common Aviation Area Agreement
Delegations from Georgia and the European Union meet on 6/7 October 2009 in Tbilisi / Georgia for the first round of negotiations on a comprehensive aviation agreement between both sides. The European Commission received a mandate to negotiate a “Common Aviation Area” Agreement with Georgia in June 2009, following its proposal to open negotiations at the beginning of that year.
(7 October, 2009)
INOGATE week in Brussels
A week of INOGATE events will take place in Brussels from 12-15 October 2009 which will bring together representatives of the EU and the littoral states of the Black and Caspian Seas and their neighbours to discuss the results of the work being carried out, in particular on the reduction of gas losses and the harmonisation of gas standards, as well as on combating climate change.
(12 October, 2009)
The EESC strengthens its relations with civil society organisations of Georgia and Armenia
First ever delegation of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will go to Tbilissi and Erevan on 19-21 October 2009. The delegation will present its opinion, “Civil society involvement in implementing the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plans in the countries of Southern Caucasus” to various local representatives of civil society organisations (employers, trade unions, farmers, consumers, NGOs). The delegation will also meet representatives of Georgian and Armenian authorities.
(13 October, 2009)
Benita Ferrero-Waldner – the last 5 years Speech at American Chamber of Commerce’s Plenary meeti
The Eastern Partnership is the newest innovation. Against a background of deteriorating governance standards and a region very badly hit by global financial and economic crisis, our aim is to anchor our Eastern neighbours more closely to us by offering more intensive help for reform than we have ever offered before.
(13 October, 2009)
220 Civil Society Organisations invited to Eastern Partnership Forum
Concluding a thorough examination of 439 expressions of interest received by the Commission from various Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the Steering Committee made a recommendation to the Commission to invite representatives of 220 organisations to participate in the first gathering of the EaP Civil Society Forum in Brussels on 16-17 November. They will be mainly from EaP countries, but also from the EU Member States, international organisations and networks and from third countries.
(13 October, 2009)
Commission proposes €46 million macro-financial assistance to Georgia
The Commission adopted on 16 October 2009 a draft decision recommending to the Council to provide macro-financial assistance (MFA) in the form of a grant of €46 million to Georgia. The assistance supports, and is conditional on the respect of the adjustment programme agreed between Georgia and the IMF. It complements the latter’s financial assistance to the country. The grant would be provided in two instalments, tentatively in the fourth quarter of 2009 and first half of 2010.
(16 October, 2009)
EU-Georgia Cooperation Council tenth meeting
The Cooperation Council between the European Union (EU) and Georgia held its tenth meeting on Monday 26 October 2009. The EU underlined the importance of sufficient progress in democracy, rule of law and human rights, which belong to important conditions for the deepening of bilateral cooperation between the EU and Georgia within the framework of the Eastern Partnership.
(26 October, 2009)
Georgian Media Legal Defense Center established with the support of the European Union
Eurasia Partnership Foundation will hold an opening conference of its new project Strengthening the Media’s Role as a Watchdog Institution in Georgia funded by the European Union, designed to increase public access to high quality, professional, independent information in Georgian national and regional media, strengthen the function of the Georgian Association of Regional Broadcasters (GARB), and protect journalists’ rights.
(4 November, 2009)
Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on Georgia
The European Union expresses its deep concern with respect to the recent detentions of Georgian citizens, especially the detention of four minors at the administrative boundary line to South Ossetia, Georgia, on 4 November and urges for a rapid release of all detained persons.
(12 November, 2009)
Civil Society Forum strengthens the Eastern Partnership
More than 200 Civil Society representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, the EU Member States, international organizations and networks as well as third countries are gathering in Brussels on 16-17 November for the first Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. The Forum demonstrates the EU’s commitment to take on board the views and ideas of people of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. The Forum will work on recommendations to EaP ministers who will be holding their first working meeting on 8th December, in particular on priorities for work next year in the EaP multilateral platforms.
(16 November, 2009)
Financial aid for Serbia, Bosnia, Armenia and Georgia
Parliament gave its backing on Tuesday for €400 million-plus in budget aid to Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Armenia and Georgia. The funds are to help these countries to finance their external balances of payments and state budget deficits.
(24 November, 2009)
More European Union support - 23 new projects amounting to €14 million launched
The European Union has funded 23 projects under its Instrument for Stability to help Georgia in overcoming the socio-economic consequences of the 2008 August war and support strengthening Georgia’s democracy. The overall budget for the projects is € 14 million aimed at addressing issues such as building confidence and a sense of security of internally displaced people within local communities, their socio-economic integration; support to confidence building and people-to-people contacts; support support to the strengthening of democracy, including elections, political and media pluralism, and support to civil society organizations in Abkhazia, Georgia.
(18 November, 2009)
The Founding Assembly of the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
Any journalist, who gathers, transmits, disseminates and comments information and shares the principles of Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics can become the founder of the Charter. Every journalist and/or editor who is a signatory of this Charter assumes responsibility before the society to uphold the principles underlying the Charter. Today, the signatories of the charter will elect the Press Council composed of 9 members. The Press Council will be entitled to report to the society on the extend to which the Charter’s Association member-journalists exercise the responsibility assumed upon signing the Charter.
(4 December, 2009)
European Commission welcomes the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon enters into force today – 1 December 2009. The occasion will be marked by a ceremony in the City of Lisbon organised jointly by the Portuguese Government, the Swedish Presidency and the European Commission. The Commission believes that the new treaty provides significant new benefits for citizens and will settle the institutional debate for the foreseeable future. This will allow the European Union to fully concentrate on managing a smooth exit from the economic and financial crisis and pushing ahead with the 2020 strategy for greener growth.
(1 December, 2009)
Luc Van den Brande calls on foreign affairs ministers to introduce a “territorial” approach
CoR president Luc Van den Brande attended the meeting of foreign affairs ministers of the Eastern Partnership partner countries on 8 December in Brussels to explain the need to add a “territorial” approach and involve local and regional authorities by providing specific mechanisms. The Swedish presidency of the EU had asked him to give this presentation, as part of his attendance at the inaugural summit on 7 May and the ensuing four consultation platforms. “The CoR proposes to develop a truly ‘territorial’ dimension to the Eastern Partnership,” said Luc Van den Brande, “and so I urge the 27 Member States and six partner countries to reach a multilateral agreement enabling the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) to be used in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine as it is in the EU. The EGTC can help develop relations between national, regional and local authorities, thereby strengthening the commitment of all tiers of governance to the Eastern Partnership.”
(10 December, 2009)
Declaration by the EU Presidency on “presidential elections” in Abkhazia, Georgia
The European Union has taken note of the “presidential elections” held in the Georgian territory of Abkhazia on 12 December. The European Union does not recognise the constitutional and legal framework within which these elections have taken place. The European Union continues to support Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, as recognised by international law.
(14 December, 2009)
EU-Georgia Human Rights Dialogue
On 16 December 2009 the second round of the Human Rights Dialogue between Georgia and the European Union took place in Brussels. This second round was preceded by a civil society seminar last month in Tbilisi. As of today, European Union is engaged in dedicated human rights discussions with over thirty countries around the world. The EU-Georgia Human Rights Dialogue was held in a collaborative and open atmosphere, with an exchange on a wide range of issues of mutual interest and concern, as well as discussions on possibilities for concrete cooperation in the field of human rights.
(16 December, 2009)
Council conclusions on the South Caucasus
The Council welcomes the expressed commitment of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia to strive for an enhancement of their respective relations with the EU on the basis of the perspective provided through the Eastern Partnership.
(18 December, 2009)
EU supported ammunition clearance in conflict affected Shida Kartli region with € 1 million
The HALO Trust will host a public handover ceremony on 15th December to mark the completion of cluster munitions clearance in Brotsleti Village, Gori District, and throughout the Shida Kartli Region. HALO’s timely intervention in Brotsleti and adjoining ground in Tirdzinisi returned 244.4 hectares of high priority land to productive use and destroyed 403 cluster munitions.
(14 December, 2009)
New EU-funded regional project aimed at improving waste governance within ENPI East
On Thursday, 17 December 2009, a new EU-funded regional project aimed at improving waste governance within the countries of the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Region (ENPI East) will be launched in Brussels by the European Commission. The project called “Waste Governance – ENPI East” aims at through technical co-operation and support assist the partner countries in their efforts to reduce the risks arising from inappropriate management of wastes, that thereby create environmental pollution hazards to the community and to natural resources, through co-operation with, and amongst, partner states in the region. It is prestigious four year project with a budget of EUR 5.9 million.
(17 December, 2009)
The 2nd EU tranche of Euros 4.5 million released to support Criminal Justice Reforms in Georgia
On 23 December the European Union released the second payment of €4.5 million to Georgia’s budget under the Financing Agreement signed in December 2008 between the European Union and the Georgian Government. The assistance under this Financing Agreement amounts to €15 million during 2009-2010 with additional €1 million for complementary assistance projects. All of this assistance is intended to strengthen rule of law and human rights protection through support to criminal justice reforms. The second tranche in the amount of €4.5 million instead of planned €5 million was released on the basis of assessment that concluded that conditions were fully met in all but one area – Juvenile Justice, where the EU noted less than full, but substantial compliance.
(23 December, 2009)
The third tranche of Euros 4.55 million released from the EU to support Public Finance Reform
Public Finance sector reform is one of the major areas where the European Union provides assistance. Reforms in this sector are crucial for efficient and transparent allocation of public finances therefore contributing to eradicate poverty. The €4.55 million is a third tranche being paid this year as part of the €15 million allocated to the state budget for 2007-2009 for a programme that is intended to support Public Finance reforms. The payment of each tranche is linked to Government’s performance in meeting set conditions in the area of strategic budgeting, accounting, treasury reforms, improved external and internal audit function, public procurement and strengthening the Revenue Service.
(4 January, 2010)
European commission provides €2 million for disaster risk reduction in the South Caucasus Countrie
The Commission has allocated €2 million for disaster preparedness in Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. These countries regularly and increasingly experience natural phenomena such as landslides, mudslides, floods and earthquakes. This aid will strengthen the capacities of local and national authorities to better prepare and to cope with such disasters. The funds will be channelled through the European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department under the responsibility of Karel De Gucht.
(4 January, 2010)
The European Union launches Media Streghtening Programme for Georgia
The European Union is supporting a consortium of European and Georgian organizations in implementing a broad media development 18-months programme in Georgia. The Media Strengthening Programme for Georgia is funded by the European Union’s Instrument for Stability mechanism, which aims to create stability in countries affected by crisis by preserving, establishing or re-establishing the conditions essential to the proper implementation of the EU’s development and co-operation policies. Ambitious in its reach, the Media Strengthening Programme for Georgia addresses specific and current needs of Georgian media, as identified by a thorough assessment, and bases its objectives on local realities and the latest developments in Georgia’s political and economic life.
(18 January, 2010)
Minorities in Georgia and Ukraine on agenda for talks between Presidency and OSCE
Czech Deputy PM for European Affairs A. Vondra will meet the High Commissioner for Minorities of the OSCE K. Vollebaek on 26 February in Prague. The meeting will address human rights and minorities and its topics will include: cooperation between the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the Czech Presidency, activities in the EU candidate countries, in Kosovo, Georgia and Ukraine and their development, along with EU strategy in Central Asia.
(26 February, 2009)
EU special representatives - Extension of mandates
The Council adopted joint actions extending the mandates of ten EU special representatives (EUSRs). The joint actions extend the mandate of Mr Pierre Morel, EUSR for the crisis in Georgia, until 31 August 2009 and Mr Peter Semneby, EUSR for the South Caucasus, until 28 February 2010.
(18 February, 2009)
Address by Javier Solana to the Munich Security Conference
Russia should understand how small countries feel vulnerable beside a giant neighbour. And that in today’s world it is not a good sign if you have difficult relations with many of your neighbours. All of us should ask whether it makes sense to still have people and resources geared towards planning for conflict scenarios among us, rather than towards addressing common threats together. At a time of financial crisis, these questions are even more relevant.
(7 February, 2009)
EU Declaration on Russian plans to build up its military presence in Abkhazia and South Ossetia
The European Union is seriously concerned about the plans announced by the Russian Federation to build up its military presence in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia without the consent of the Government of Georgia. Among other things, this applies to Russian plans to construct a naval installation on the coast of Abkhazia.
(5 February, 2009)
Commission proposes to open negotiations on a Common aviation area with Georgia
The European Commission proposed today to the Council directives for negotiation for a comprehensive aviation agreement with Georgia. The aim is to establish a Common aviation area between the EU and Georgia which will remove market restrictions and associate Georgia to the EU internal aviation market.
(30 January, 2009)
Joint Statement on Framework for increased EC Financial Assistance 2008 - 2010 to Georgia is signed
On the occasion of her visit to Georgia, European Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner signed with Vice Prime Minister Giorgi Baramidze a “Joint Statement on a Framework for increased EC Financial Assistance 2008 - 2010 to Georgia”.
(20 January, 2009)
European Commission’s crisis response assistance to Georgia in 2008 reaches €120 million
The European Commission’s post-crisis support for Georgia has reached nearly €120 million.The EC will be announcing the latest release of funds (€61.5 million) to the Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili during Benita Ferrero-Waldner’s visit to Georgia on 20th January. One of the main aims of this funding is to answer the needs and help the resettlement of Internally Displaced People resulting from the conflicts in Georgia in the 1990s and August 2008.
(20 January, 2009)
Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner to visit Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan
Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner will be traveling to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan from 19-22 January. During her visit the Commissioner will discuss proposals to substantially upgrade the level of political engagement with the EU’s Eastern neighbours in a new Eastern Partnership.
(16 January, 2009)
Cinema: EU film support goes global
Today, the European Commission adopted a new MEDIA MUNDUS programme, a broad international cooperation programme for the audiovisual industry to strengthen cultural and commercial relations between Europe’s film industry and film-makers of third countries. The EU will provide €15 million of funding from 2011-2013 for projects submitted by audiovisual professionals from the EU and third countries.
(9 January, 2009)
The EC allocates €61,5 million in support of internally displaced persons (IDP) in Georgia
The funds will support resettlement of IDP and homeless persons as a result of the late 1990s and recent conflicts in Georgia. It is one of the initiatives pledged by the Commission at the Georgia post-conflict donors’ conference on 22 October in Brussels.
(23 December, 2008)
Présidence du Conseil de l’UE au sujet de la fermeture de la mission de l’OSCE en Géorgie
La présidence du Conseil de l’Union européenne regrette qu’aucun accord n’ait pu aboutir à ce stade pour le renouvellement du mandat de la mission de l’OSCE en Géorgie pour 2009.
(22 December, 2008)
Déclaration de la Présidence du Conseil de l’UE sur l’aggravation des incidents en Géorgie
La Présidence du Conseil de l’Union européenne est préoccupée par l’aggravation des incidents en Géorgie et appelle toutes les parties à éviter toute action susceptible d’attiser les tensions.
(18 December, 2008)
Statement of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Georgia and the Geneva Process
The third session of the international discussions on Georgia will take place in Geneva on 17 and 18 December.
(16 December, 2008)
Statement by the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on Georgia
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union welcomes the dismantling by the Russian armed forces on 11 December of the Perevi checkpoint, situated in the zone to the west of South Ossetia, pursuant to the agreements of 12 August and 8 September 2008. The French Presidency had repeatedly requested this withdrawal, particularly at the EU-Russia Summit on 14 November. The Presidency hopes that this withdrawal is definitive.
(12 December, 2008)
European Union gives developing countries duty-free access with GSP+
On 9 December the European Commission decided to give 16 developing countries duty-free access to the EU market for around 6400 tariff lines, under the European Union’s special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance.
(12 December, 2008)
European Council and Presidency Conclusions
The European Council on 11 and 12 December 2008 approved a European Economic Recovery Plan, equivalent to about 1,5 % of the GDP of the European Union (a figure amounting to around EUR 200 billion). The European Council also reached agreement on the energy/climate change package which should enable this package to be finalised with the European Parliament by the end of the year. The European Council discussed the factors designed to respond to the concerns expressed during the Irish referendum and established an approach to enable the Treaty of Lisbon to come into force before the end of 2009.
(12 December, 2008)
EU-GEORGIA COOPERATION COUNCIL
The Cooperation Council between the European Union (EU) and Georgia held its ninth meeting on Tuesday 9 December 2008.
(9 December, 2008)
The Eastern Partnership – an ambitious new chapter in the EU’s relations with its Eastern neighbou
This ambitious Partnership foresees a substantial upgrading of the level of political engagement, including the prospect of a new generation of Association Agreements, far-reaching integration into the EU economy, easier travel to the EU for citizens providing that security requirements are met, enhanced energy security arrangements benefitting all concerned, and increased financial assistance.
(3 December, 2008)
EUMM concerned about sitation in Perevi
The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) expresses concern about the situation at the Russian checkpoint near Perevi. The Russian forces in
South Ossetia have persistently refused to dismantle this checkpoint, in spite of the fact that it is clearly located to the west of the administrative boundary line of South Ossetia.
(8 November, 2008)
EUMM’s mandate is Georgia-wide
After EUMM patrols entered into Abkhazia for the first time on 4 November, Head of Mission, Ambassador Hansjörg Haber, underlined that EUMM has a mandate for the whole of Georgia, including Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
(5 November, 2008)
Opening of the International Donors’ Conference for Georgia
Jose Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission opened the International Donors’ Conference for Georgia with a statement on 22 October, 2008.
“That representatives of so many countries and international organizations should be united today, at a time when we are facing a grave financial crisis which requires attention at home, sends a strong signal to the world.”
(22 October, 2008)
Donors conference for Georgia: time to walk our talk
Benita Ferrero-Waldner issued a statement on October 22, 2008. “The stability and security of the EU’s neighbouring countries, including Georgia, is a key focus of the European Neighbourhood Policy. What we can do today to help Georgia is largely thanks to the policies and instruments we have established in recent years through ENP.”
(22 October, 2008)
EU assistance fact sheet: GEORGIA
In the immediate aftermath of the conflict in Georgia, the European Commission has provided humanitarian assistance and started working on a comprehensive assistance package, which will be up to €500 million. The package will cover the period of 2008-2010 and be subject to review based on the pace of recovery and evolution of the Georgian economy.
(22 October, 2008)
Address of the President of the European Council to the European Parliament
Nicolas Sarkozy, the current president of the European Council, was in Strasbourg at 10:00 on Wednesday 21 October 2008 to inform the European Parliament of the results of the European Council of 15 and 16 October 2008.
(21 October, 2008)
EU/Russia: a challenging partnership, but one of the most important of our times
Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy makes a statement about the European Parliamentary debate surrounding EU - Russia relations.
(21 October, 2008)
International Donors’ Conference for Georgia: call for wide international support
The European Commission and the World Bank have invited international donors and financial institutions to a Donors’ Conference for Georgia on 22 October in Brussels, which will be co chaired with the current French and future Czech presidencies of the EU.
(21 October, 2008)
European Council Conclusions
The European Council met on 15 and 16 October 2008, against a backdrop of international economic and financial crisis. The conclusions are available in this document.
(16 October, 2008)
General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting will be held in Luxembourg
Bernard Kouchner, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs will chair the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting in Luxembourg on 13 October. This monthly meeting brings together the 27 EU foreign ministers, the European Commission and the Secretary-General/High Representative for CFSP.
(13 October, 2008)
Russian forces withdraw from zones adjacent to South Ossetia and Abkhazia
Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), issued a statement on 10 October, confirming that the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia has verified that Russian armed forces have dismantled 12 checkpoints and one military base in the zone adjacent to Abkhazia and fivecheckpoints and one signal post in the zone adjacent to South Ossetia.
(10 October, 2008)
EUMM witnesses withdrawal of Russian troops
On 8 October, the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) witnessed the withdrawal of Russian troops from a great number of checkpoints in the adjacent areas both to South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
(8 October, 2008)
Statement by Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the CFSP, on the withdrawal of Russian troops
ussian forces today started their final withdrawal from the areas adjacent to South Ossetia and Abkhazia in Georgia. On this occasion, Javier SOLANA, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), made a statement.
(8 October, 2008)
EUMM confirms first Russian checkpoint to be dismantled
On 5 October, the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) confirmed the dismantling of the first Russian checkpoint located in Ali, north west of Gori in the adjacent area to South Ossetia. The dismantling was observed on location by EUMM monitors. Numerous signs also indicate the preparation of the planned withdrawal of Russian forces at different checkpoints in the adjacent areas both to South Ossetia and Abkahazia.
(5 October, 2008)
Summary of Remarks by Javier Solana upon returning from Georgia
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, attended the informal meeting of EU defence ministers in Deauville, on 1 October 2008. The following is an edited summary of his remarks made at the meeting.
(1 October, 2008)
Address by Javier Solana at the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) Headquarters in Georgia
Mr Solana visited Tbilisi on Tuesday, 30 September, for meetings with President Mikheil Saakashvili as well as the Foreign Minister, Interior Minister and Secretary of The National Security Council. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the latest developments in Georgia and the deployment of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia.
(September 30, 2008)
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the CFSP, to visit Georgia
Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) will visit Georgia on 30 September 2008, on the occasion of the launching of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) operation in Georgia.
(29 September, 2008)
Quartet Statement
Representatives of the Quartet met on September 26 in New York, to discuss the situation in the Middle East. They were joined by Quartet Representative Tony Blair. The Quartet reaffirmed its support for the bilateral and comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian negotiations and commended the parties for their serious and continuous efforts since the Annapolis Conference.
(26 September, 2008)
Commission recommends the negotiation of Visa Facilitation and Readmission Agreements with Georgia
On the 25 September, the Commission recommended that the Council open negotiations on agreements to facilitate the procedures for issuing short-stay visas and on readmission between the European Community and Georgia.
(25 September, 2008)
Delegation website: http://www.delgeo.ec.europa.eu/en/index.html