Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2016
115. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU continues to have a positive relationship with Georgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36546/16]
View answerThe European Union has a very positive relationship with Georgia. The relationship is enhanced by Georgia’s active participation in the Eastern Partnership.
Georgia signed an Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the EU in 2014. By removing customs tariffs and quotas and by comprehensively approximating trade-related laws and regulations to the standards of the European Union, the Agreement offers Georgia a framework for boosting trade and economic growth. This will facilitate Georgia's progressive integration into the EU’s single market. The Agreement fully entered into force on 1 July 2016. As part of this process, Georgia has committed to undertaking a number of reforms, including on democratic development and fundamental freedoms, constitutional and parliamentary reform, and anti-corruption. The EU remains fully supportive of the Georgia’s reform process.
Ireland has excellent relations with Georgia and is a strong supporter of Georgia’s current reform path and of the country’s continued efforts towards closer political and economic relations with the EU.
