Interview on Georgia’s European perspective and European aid with Dr. Khatuna Burkadze, a research fellow at Geocase

27 May 2020

Dr. Khatuna Burkadze discussed Georgia’s European perspective, EU-Georgia agenda and European aid in the post-pandemic period. 


Dr. Khatuna Burkadze underlined: “A significant priority of the Georgian foreign policy is Georgia’s membership in the EU. The supreme law of the state – the Constitution of Georgia manifests Georgia’s historic choice. According to the Constitution, constitutional bodies should take appropriate measures to promote Georgia’s full integration into European structures”.  She highlighted that the large-scale and comprehensive assistance of the EU demonstrates that the European Union remains the strongest partner of Georgia in the challenging time. The EU stands by Georgia and assists it in tackling health, economic, social and other challenges. The EU assistance package covers all vulnerable groups to deliver tangible results to the Georgian population.

 

Dr. Khatuna Burkadze mentioned: “It is essential to make a political decision on Georgia’s European perspective that will give a significant impetus to start a process to join the European family. It will increase the role of Georgia as an international actor to ensure peace and development in the region”.

 

She emphasized that successful implementation of the concept of “Smart Villages” could be a precondition for the idea of “European Villages” in Georgia. This will consider producing various local products by using European standards and innovative methods and implement more effectively the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.

 

Dr. Khatuna Burkadze highlighted: “The EU key message "Stronger Together” demonstrates that during 70 years the European integration has brought peace and prosperity through solidarity and cooperation. The post-pandemic period could give the impetus to the EU including a new approach of the EU Enlargement.  It will increase opportunities for Georgia’s European perspective to become a member of the European family currently made up of 27 countries with 450 million citizens”.

 

Read the full article here

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