TODAY.AZ / Politics

EU allocates huge grant to Georgia

21 April 2015 [16:30] - TODAY.AZ

/By AzerNews/

By Mushvig Mehdiyev

The European Union decided to introduce a new grant package to Georgia if the EU assessment mission presents a positive report on the country’s progress in May.

The EU financial assistance will be worth 410 million euros and the funds will be spent fully for implementing the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.

European Commissioner, Johannes Hahn, who is in charge of the European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, announced the decision in Luxembourg where Georgia’s Foreign Minister Tamar Beruchashvili met with EU high officials on April 20.

"The EU has already allocated this money for Georgia and we hope that we will get an opportunity to spend it properly," Hahn said.

He added that a portion of this financial package would be used to boost micro and small business entrepreneurship in Georgia from now on and until 2017. He believes it will help Georgia implement the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, which is the part of the AA.

The final decision regarding the financial package will be made at the upcoming Riga Eastern Partnership Summit scheduled for May.

EU officials support a common approach towards Georgia's EU integration recognizing all of Georgia’s efforts, which will adequately be reflected in Riga in May.

The European Parliament ratified the Association Agreement with Georgia on December 18, 2014, which was viewed as the initial step of the country's European integration. The Georgian leadership believes the agreement with the EU will open new prospects of development for the country.

The parliament explains that Georgia has made significant progress in reforms and that like any other European state, it retains EU membership prospects should all conditions be met. However, it urges Georgia to consolidate its reforms, to end its selective and political use of justice and to work towards a society of pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, solidarity and equality between women and men.

Georgia's strategy to implement the AA requirements so far will be assessed by EU decision-makers in Riga in May. Georgia and the EU both believe that the Riga Summit will come as a significant event to facilitate the realization of the current and upcoming issues on the agenda.

URL: http://www.today.az/news/politics/140030.html

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