EU, NATO integration in PM's Gov't programme report to Parliament

The Georgian Government's European Union and NATO integration efforts head a report presented to the Parliament  on Wednesday, ahead of its submission to the legislative body by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili later this month. 

The 154-page report begins with the European integration process of Georgia and emphasises the Government's efforts in line with the relevant reform programme, which it says has entered a “qualitatively new stage”.

The  report  also focuses on the country’s “historic” bid for EU membership, noting the Government's "rapid work" to complete a self-assessment questionnaire provided by the European Commission on April 11. 

The document says cooperation between NATO and Georgia is developing "dynamically" through existing formats and practical mechanisms while the Georgian Government continues to work "actively" to increase compatibility with, and readiness for integration into the alliance. 

The document highlights the  importance of the foundation for the Georgia Defence and Deterrence Initiative, which will contribute to the achievement of NATO standards and the development of total defence in the country. 

Georgia remains a reliable strategic ally of the United States, which has been repeatedly confirmed by the adoption of strong bipartisan acts, allocated funding, and visits of high-level US officials to Georgia," the document reads.

The report states a peaceful resolution of the Russian-Georgian conflict, de-occupation of the country,  peaceful return of internally displaced persons and well-being of the citizens living in the occupied territories are a “constant concern” of the Government and one of its “top priorities”.

In terms of ensuring a safe public environment and law and order in the country, reforms were continued to improve police performance and work against crime, the document says. 

An equality policy, focused on the protection of universal human rights, is being strengthened, and constant attention is being paid to improving the rights of minorities in order to increase their degree of involvement in everyday public life," the report also notes.

The Government report also talks about economic parameters, noting that reducing public health risks and "effective management" of coronavirus cases have helped mitigate the negative economic effects of the outbreak. It says "2021 was a record year for exports, domestic exports, imports and trade turnover". 

The document also focuses on social policy and notes the pandemic crisis placed the "greatest burden" on the health sector, with an increase in infections in late 2021 and early 2022.

A "structural reform" of the education and science system continues, the document says, in order to create opportunities for learning and competence development in the country for "all age groups".