Irish parliament passes first-ever resolution in support of Georgia

For the first time in the history of the Oireachtas – the Irish legislative body –  a resolution has been passed in support of Georgia's territorial integrity. 

The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence supported the resolution Motion on the Territorial Integrity of Georgia and its Integration in to the European Union on February 23.

According to the resolution, Ireland reconfirms its support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally-recognised borders.

The document also says that Ireland stands for Georgia’s integration with the EU and supports an immediate EU visa-waiver for Georgian citizens.

The committee also welcomed the progress Georgia has shown in the process of EU integration as well as increasing bilateral relations between Georgia and Ireland.

The resolution also stressed the importance of the recent opening of the Georgian Embassy in Ireland.

The adoption of the resolution followed the speech by First Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans at the Oireachtas on February 21.

Timmermans said that Georgia must feel that there is a will within the EU for Georgia to join the European family.

He added that this will must be expressed by the EU through intensifying relations with Georgia, increasing of investments in the country and an immediate implementation of visa-free travel.