Spanish institute: Georgia leading Ukraine, Moldova in reforms amid EU “reluctance” on accession talks

The Spanish Institute of Governance Coordination and Applied Economics has highlighted Georgia's “significant progress” in reforms, placing it ahead of Ukraine and Moldova in areas such as anti-corruption measures, judicial reforms, and financial transparency, amid the European Union’s “reluctance” to initiate formal accession negotiations with Tbilisi. 

In its report this week, the Institute warned the delay could lead to external interference and destabilisation in the South Caucasus region. 

The study stressed the current Georgian Dream Government had made “significant strides” in key reform areas and implemented a “more systematic and consistent approach” to combating corruption compared to Ukraine and Moldova. 

It added Georgia had also “successfully established an attractive business environment” and implemented “effective economic reforms”. 

The study highlighted Georgia's advancements in judicial reforms, and noted that Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia had hindered its judicial reform efforts, while Moldova continued to struggle with systemic corruption within its judicial system.

In terms of financial transparency, the study said Georgia ranked ahead of Ukraine and Moldova, securing the first place in the 2023 World Budget Openness Index. 

The Spanish Institute warned that delaying accession negotiations with Georgia could increase the risk of external interference, potentially destabilising the region and threatening the bloc’s security. "It is crucial for the EU to act swiftly to support Georgia’s aspirations for European values and reforms, thereby mitigating these risks”, it said. 

The Institute also emphasised Georgia’s commitment to European values, particularly in areas such as anti-corruption, the business environment, and the rule of law, which it stressed had been recognised by international bodies, including the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe. Rankings like the Corruption Perceptions Index and the Economic Freedom Index further highlighted Georgia's successes, it added. 

The study called on the EU to “acknowledge” Georgia’s achievements and “promptly begin” accession negotiations, as it did with Ukraine and Moldova. "This step would not only strengthen relations between the EU and Georgia but also send a clear message of support for democratic values and reforms throughout the region”, the report concluded.