Georgian PM: “European Parliament’s report is EU’s message in support of Georgia”

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has thanked European partners and friends of Georgia for their support following the European Parliament’s positive recommendations ahead of the Eastern Partnership summit.

In a statement released last night, Kvirikashvili welcomed the parliament’s report as an "important decision ahead of the upcoming summit” and "yet another message from the EU in support of Georgia”.

"The recommendations upheld by the European Parliament reflect full support of Georgia’s priority issues, such as Georgia’s European aspirations and the need to set long-term goals in Georgia-EU relations”, the PM said.

Adoption of the report on #EaP@Europarl_EN is another clear demonstration of #EU's full support for #Georgia's priority issues such as #European aspirations & long-term goals in #EUGeorgia relations.

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) November 15, 2017

He added that importantly, the European Parliament’s report contains clear messages on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Eastern Partnership member states, including Georgia, the occupation of Georgia’s two regions, and Russia’s failure to fulfill its international obligations.

He also welcomed that the report calls for enhancing the EU’s role in peaceful resolution of conflicts.

"It is very important that the European Parliament singles out practical support provided for the Eastern Partnership member states, which involves promoting investment projects and SMEs, implementing infrastructural projects, and simplifying education in EU schools for Georgian citizens”, Kvirikashvili said.

Yesterday, the European Parliament adopted a resolution recommending for Georgia, Ukraine and Moldova to be allowed to join the customs or energy union.

The report says that the three Eastern Partners have done well with their reform agenda so they deserve to be offered greater benefits at the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit.

The resolution also calls for establishing a trust fund for these three nations, and urges that pressure is kept on Russia to resolve conflicts in the EU eastern neighbourhood.

The resolution was adopted by 519 votes to 114, with 47 abstentions.

The fifth Eastern Partnership summit will take place in Brussels on November 24.