Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and Oliver Várhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, together with representatives of leading financial institutions, discussed ways to finance projects to be implemented toward Georgia’s economic integration into the EU. It was noted at the meeting that economic cooperation with the EU is a priority for both Georgia and the EU.
At the extended meeting with representatives of international financial institutions, the key directions of Georgia-EU cooperation were reviewed, including discussions on issues pertaining to the areas of energy and communications and cooperation in the direction of trade.
The parties also discussed priority projects in the direction of Black Sea connectivity. According to the Prime Minister, the list of these strategic projects will further deepen the relations between the EU and the South Caucasus Region while also advancing Georgia’s European integration to a qualitatively new level.
It was noted at the meeting that Georgia, given its strategic location, can play a significant role in the diversification of transport routes and in ensuring Europe’s energy supply.
The issues discussed at the extended meeting also included the Association and Free Trade Agreements with the EU and the dynamic of their implementation. Emphasis was placed on the concrete, tangible results brought about by the enactment of the agreements for Georgia and Georgian citizens.
The meeting, alongside the European Commission’s and Georgia’s delegations, was attended by representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Investment Bank, the French Development Agency, and the German KfW.