The 11th session of the Georgia-EU Parliamentary Association Committee with participation of the Parliament of Georgia and the Delegations of the European Parliament was open with the welcome speeches by the Georgia-EU PAC Co-Chairs, Maka Botchorishvili and Marina Kaljurand.

“After the historical decision of the European Council of June 24, 2022, the Georgia-EU relations have progressed to a new stage. The European perspective is a chance to guarantee our European future and on the other hand, it is yet another test for the Georgian political spectrum and Georgian society. Thus, we shall do all in our power to take this historical advantage and put the EU integration process on an irreversible path”, - M. Botchorishvili stated.

Mme. Kaljurand also welcomed the attendees: “EU has officially recognized the European perspective of Georgia and this decision was a historical moment in our relations. The EU recognized that Georgia has undertaken a series of reforms. If the political forces put their discords aside, overcome the polarization and focus their efforts on the main priorities – Georgia will receive the guaranteed EU candidate status”, - she stated and dwelt on the Russian aggression in Ukraine and its consequences.

She thanked Georgia for expressing solidarity and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

After the welcome speeches, the floor was given to the Deputy Foreign Minister, Teimuraz Janjalia and the EU Ambassador, Pawel Herczynski to speak about the EU-Georgia relations.

The attendees discussed the consolidation of the democratic reforms and protection of the fundamental freedoms in Georgia, as well as the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Georgia and the impact of the Russian aggressive war in Ukraine on Georgia, the reconciliation policy to the occupied regions, Geneva Talks, and the EUMM activity.

The agenda also included the Georgia-EU economic integration, Association Agreement, DCFTA, respective progress and challenges.

The second panel of the session was dedicated to the Georgia-EU partnership, including cooperation in transport and logistics sphere, in energy sphere and digital connectivity, as well as the employment, social policy and public healthcare.

The session was attended by the Committee members, Georgian MPs and MEPs, as well as the representatives of the executive authority, Public Defender’s Office, European Commission and the EUMM.