The European Parliament approved the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, which will establish close political and economic ties between the EU and Georgia. The agreement opens a new chapter in EU-Georgia relations and supports Georgia's democratic reforms and European integration path. It also covers Georgia's entire internationally recognized territory, though Russia occupies Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The European Parliament condemned Russia's treaty with Abkhazia as a step towards annexation and called on Russia to withdraw from Abkhazia. While commending Georgia's reforms, the Parliament urged Georgia to further consolidate reforms and ensure justice, pluralism, and equality.

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European Parliament approves EU-Georgia
association deal
Plenary sessions [18-12-2014 - 12:18]
The European Parliament gave its green light to the EU-Georgia Association
Agreement on Thursday. The deal will establish deep political association and
economic integration between the EU and Georgia, including the progressive
opening up of their respective markets.
The deal is the third in a new series of association agreements that the European
Parliament has been asked to ratify, after those with Ukraine and Moldova. It was
approved by 490 votes to 76, with 57 abstentions.
"The European Parliament’s ratification of the Association Agreement with Georgia has
opened a new chapter in European Union relations with Georgia", said rapporteur Andrejs
Mamikins (S&D, LV). "Georgia has made significant progress in reforms and strengthening
its relations with the EU. We welcome recent judicial reforms designed to strengthen
Georgia’s democratic institutions and support the efforts of Georgian society to achieve
further democratisation. Although much work remains to be done, experience shows that
Georgians prefer to solve their problems, not to avoid them. I think that Europe should
now show its real solidarity with Georgia and its people", he added.
Russian pressure on Abkhazia
In an accompanying resolution, approved 491 votes to 84, with 63 abstentions, MEPs
stress that the agreement covers the entire internationally recognised territory of Georgia,
although Russia continues to occupy the regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The European Parliament condemns the conclusion of the “so called alliance and strategic
partnership” treaty between Abkhazia and Russia as a step towards the full annexation of
Abkhazia; and calls upon Russia to withdraw it.
Reform agenda
Parliament also notes that Georgia has made significant progress in reforms and that like
any other European state, it has EU membership prospects if the conditions are met.
However, it urges Georgia to consolidate the reforms, end selective and political use of
justice and work towards a society of pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, solidarity
and equality between women and men.
Contact
Agnese KRIVADE
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EMAIL: foreign-press@europarl.europa.eu
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