The European Union (EU) has prepared an annual report on Georgia's implementation of the Association Agreement with the EU. It was made on the eve of the next meeting of the Association Council, which will be held on September 6, 2022.
The report states that the EU notes some progress in Georgia's implementation of reforms under the Association Agreement. The EU emphasizes that Georgia "continued the path of reforms in difficult conditions." However, the head of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, also pointed to the country's failures:
“We are seeing setbacks in key areas of the rule of law, governance and human rights. As Georgia enters a new phase of its relationship with the EU with its European perspective, Georgia needs to take a responsible and conscientious approach that is in line with its stated goals and the expectations of its citizens.”
Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighborhood Policy Oliver Varhelyi said that on the prospect of EU membership, "the ball is now in Georgia's side": He stressed that commitment to democratic consolidation, judicial reforms, strengthening the rule of law, and fight against corruption and organized crime.
Georgia applied for fast-track accession to the EU on 3 March.
