Association Agreement important milestone in Georgia’s European integration
By Mushvig Mehdiyev
European Parliament President Martin Schulz has warmly welcomed the ratification of the Association Agreement (AA) between the European Union and Georgia, saying it was the result of the Georgian authorities' efforts within the Eastern Partnership program.
Schulz believes that the AA is a historic moment in the relationship between the EU and Georgia.
"The European Parliament is confident that this agreement will be a stepping stone to further reforms to create a democratic society characterized by pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, as well as justice, solidarity, equality and human rights,” Schulz said.
Schulz expressed his confidence that the conclusion of the agreement was supported by an overwhelming majority of European Parliament members, who are aware of the continuing efforts of Georgian authorities as the country supporting a major reform process.
"It is now essential for Georgia to fully implement the agreement and demonstrate its firm commitment to the common values and principles of the European Union,” he said.
Members of the European Parliament overwhelmingly supported the Association Agreement with Georgia on December 18.
The AA deals were signed by Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova and the EU representatives in Brussels, on June 27.
The AA deals need to be ratified by all 28 EU member-states for full implementation. So far 12 EU member-states, including Denmark, Sweden, Croatia, Romania, Hungary, Estonia, Slovakia, Malta, Latvia, Lithuania and Bulgaria, have ratified the AA deals.
The U.S. State Department also praised the ratification, saying the ratification of the Association Agreement is another important milestone in Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
"The United States congratulates Georgia on European Parliament’s ratification of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. The support by hundreds of European parliamentarians in Strasbourg marks yet another important milestone in Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration. It demonstrates Europe’s growing confidence in Georgia and the country’s continued pursuit of wide-ranging reforms,” said Jen Psaki, Spokesperson for the State Department.
She said the U.S. was next to the EU to back Georgia, as it pursued various reforms and realized its integration into Europe and the wider Euro-Atlantic community.