Events

From 20 to 22 May, the EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment project convened grantee organizations from across Georgia for a three-day event. The gathering served as the official Awarding Ceremony and Capacity Building Meeting for civil society organizations selected under the project’s small grants scheme.

The event celebrated the accomplishments of nine awarded youth organizations dedicated to promoting participation, inclusion, and climate action within their communities. It opened with remarks and a certificate ceremony delivered by Mr. Nicholas Cendrowicz, Head of Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to Georgia, and Dr. Anna-Maria Schneider, Head of Development Cooperation for Georgia and Azerbaijan at BMZ. Both speakers emphasized the vital role of civil society and youth participation in democratic governance and reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the European Union and Germany to supporting these efforts.

Grantees presented their funded projects, showcasing initiatives aimed at increasing youth engagement, fostering social cohesion, and implementing sustainable practices at the local level. They discussed challenges faced at both local and municipal levels and exchanged best practices.

The three-day programme featured intensive capacity-building workshops on youth participation, covering (1) Effective mechanisms for mobilizing young people; (2) Inclusive outreach strategies for vulnerable youth groups; and (3) Approaches to strengthening youth participation within local NGOs. Participants also had opportunities to network, reflect on implementation progress, and explore synergies among their initiatives.

The event is organized within the framework of the EU4Youth: Youth Engagement and Empowerment Project co-funded by the European Union and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH as part of the Strengthening Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership.

Dear guests, dear friends,

Today we are celebrating Europe Day and the 75th anniversary of the Schuman declaration. In the turbulent geopolitical context, the strength of European political, economic and social integration is a vivid testimony of what peaceful collaboration between nations can bring to the world.

The European Union is committed to peace, partnership, and cooperation — within our borders and worldwide. Even when faced with the greatest challenges, we stand for unity in diversity — working to promote dialogue, stability and prosperity as well as universal values.

The world is changing rapidly and is becoming more fragmented. International cooperation has turned into global competition. The European Union is however continuing to engage with countries around the world. Working on solutions and building partnerships is the only way to resolve the problems facing the world.

We are a reliable partner and invest in mutually beneficial relations based on trust and respect. We defend and promote a rules-based international order, not the law of the strongest. This is why the EU has been standing with Ukraine and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that Ukraine achieves just and lasting peace from a position of strength.

The EU stands firm on values. Universal values we have built together for many decades and that we will continue to promote.

As global challenges grow, so does European determination to remain a reliable, consistent, predictable and principled partner:

A partner for prosperity, committed to open economies and rules-based trade that contribute to sustainable development.

A partner for security, leveraging our strategic autonomy to promote security and stability worldwide through our missions and operations, and security and defence partnerships

A principled, consistent and reliable partner for life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable people in need.

This is Europe.
And now, let me say a few words in Georgian:

Georgia and the European Union have a long history of successful partnership. This relationship has brought many benefits to the people of Georgia. Look around, see yourself what the EU has done in your villages and cities.

It is a third year that I am privileged to mark Europe Day together with you.

In 2023, EU opened the door of the European family to Georgia and your country became a candidate for EU membership. We celebrated this historic moment together.

Today, unfortunately, as a result of the actions taken by Georgia’s authorities, Georgia’s European integration process has been stopped. If the current situation continues, Georgia risks missing a historic opportunity of becoming a member of the European Union for a long time. Even more, Georgia’s democracy is again in danger.

Becoming a member of the European family is an opportunity not an obligation. It is based on the sovereign choice of the people and the state. European choice of the people is clear.

As you see, the reality is that EU membership means peace, prosperity and respect for history, culture and traditions of all our countries. This is why we are together.

If Georgia returns to the path of democratic development, we are ready to work with you for Georgia’s EU membership.

We are proud to be friends of Georgia.
Today, let’s celebrate what unites us and let’s hope for a better future. Happy Europe Day! Go forward Georgia, go!

Let’s come together to celebrate what unites us, #Ertad on #EuropeDay!

Europe Day in Georgia is a tradition that marks a long journey of partnership between the people of Georgia and the European Union. “I am Georgian and therefore I am European!” Zurab Zhvania’s iconic declaration on April 27, 1999, remains a powerful symbol of Georgia’s European path. Since its inception over 30 years ago, the EU’s relationship with Georgia has evolved significantly. On May 9, the 75th anniversary of Schuman Declaration, we will come together to celebrate what unites us. But what truly unites us, after all? Joint projects? Shared Values? Yes, all of this and much more. Above all, it is the spirit of solidarity that Europe Day embodies. A spirit that, even in today’s challenging times, continues to guide the EU’s unwavering support for the people of Georgia —in friendship, in partnership, and in a shared belief in a democratic and European future for Georgia.

Mouskhely’s contribution to European integration

This spirit of unity is deeply rooted. In the aftermath of World War II, Europe’s greatest minds were considering ways to secure enduring peace on the continent. One of them was a professor of law at the University of Strasbourg. He believed that integration—the development of a unity through diversity —was the answer. Michel Mouskhely a Georgian-born legal scholar, became one of the most influential voices in the French academic world. He founded the Interuniversity Federalist Union; similar organisations were founded in Germany, Italy and other European countries. In 1948, he and Professor Gaston Stefani drafted the Federal Constitution of Europe. The 1949 work ‘L’Europe face au federalisme’ (Europe Facing Federalism) written by Michel Mouskhely, is regarded as one of the biggest contributions to European unity.

Mouskhely was born as Mikheil Muskhelishvili in Tbilisi in 1903. He left Georgia to study in Europe, but the occupation in 1921 prevented him from returning to his native Georgia. When the Robert Schuman Declaration was signed on May 9, 1950, the ideas of Mikheil Muskhelishvili and others were converted from theory into practice and served as the foundation for the establishment of the European Union. In the beginning, a European Coal and Steel Community was formed by West Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. In the end, it evolved into an entity bringing together 447 million people from 27 nations living in peace and prosperity. The Robert Schuman Declaration’s signing day has been celebrated for many years since then.

“75 years on, Europe Day stands as a testament to the remarkable success of the European project, which began with the Robert Schuman Declaration in 1950 and has brought peace, democracy, and prosperity to all EU Member States. On this day, we reflect on our shared history and look forward to the future we wish to create together with Georgia,” says Pawel Herczynski, the EU ambassador to Georgia.

Europe Day 2025 at EXPO Georgia on 9 May

The European Union’s success story extends beyond its borders. It also encompasses the EU’s partnership with the people of Georgia. This year’s Europe Day event will demonstrate the results of this collaborative effort. Pavilion 11 will be the biggest demonstration of that collaboration, where guests will participate in activities proposed by the projects the EU has been funding around Georgia, ranging from employment to equality, from sustainable development to education.

Outside Pavilion 11, visitors will be able to discover the flavours of Georgia through products made by local farmers, meet artisans who carry on centuries-old traditions, and learn how the European Union supports sustainable agriculture and helps safeguard the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can also sample and buy goods made by local farmers. Additionally, there will be opportunity to meet local artisans, see how the European Union promotes the growth of agriculture, and discover how it preserves Georgian customs and culture.

Pavilion 3 will offer a varied program as well. It will contain the audiovisual installation “This Country is Yours” and a photo exhibition featuring the documentary photographs that were awarded the “EU Prize for Journalism”. They tell the story of the past decade in Georgia through the lenses of the best photographers. In this pavilion, young people will also play the educational game “Bookshelf,” showing off their knowledge of Europe’s history, literature, and ideals.

Chef Keti Bakradze and EU diplomats are inviting everyone to a unique culinary event near Pavilion 3, where they will be preparing dishes from different European countries.

 
In Pavilion 6, representatives from EU Member States will showcase their cultures and the opportunities they offer. The European Investment Bank and the EU Monitoring Mission’s operations will also be presented here.

The ‘EU Conversations #ertad’ will provide everyone the chance to listen to eminent speakers from Georgia and EU Member States. European ideals and their influence on Georgia’s present and future, as well as the opportunities the European Union provides in Georgia will be the main topics of discussion. Iva Pezuashvili, the author and recipient of the European Union Prize for Literature, will serve as the moderator of the discussions.

“What makes the European Union truly unique,” says Pezuashvili, “is that even the smallest nations are proudly represented through their own cultures. One thing that all Georgians, Bulgarians, and Dutch people have in common is that they each have a distinct culture that they bring to the table. This is the most significant and fascinating aspect of the European Union: joining it doesn’t mean losing anything; rather, it means contributing something new to the EU, which has become richer by coming together.”.

The European Union is built on diversity – and the story of Michel Mouskhely is one of the many connections that unite Georgia and the European Union.

Let’s spend Europe Day together! Let’s come together to mark and honour what unites us, #ertad

Follow for more: https://eu4georgia.eu/europe-day-2025/

The European Union Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, visited Akhaltsikhe to reaffirm the EU’s strong support for communities across Georgia. The visit highlighted the EU’s commitment to inclusive regional development, civic engagement, and equal opportunities for all citizens, in particular Georgia’s diverse ethnic minorities.

Ambassador Herczynski met with a broad range of local partners benefiting from EU-funded programmes, including civil society organisations, youth, women entrepreneurs, elderly citizens, ethnic minority groups, and individuals with special needs.

“The EU is here to stand with communities in every corner of Georgia,” said Ambassador Herczynski. “From youth to the elderly, from entrepreneurs to civil society, our goal is to promote inclusion, and opportunity for all. The EU is not a distant partner—we are working hand in hand with the people of Georgia.”

On the first day of the visit, the EU Ambassador visited the Elderly Day Centre, the first of its kind in Samtskhe-Javakheti, co-funded by the EU, where elderly citizens benefit from social services in a safe, dedicated space. And the Ambassador met with local entrepreneurs who have expanded their businesses with EU support, including a bakery run by a woman from an Armenian community and a modernised beekeeping initiative, both of which reflect the EU’s impact on local livelihoods and economic empowerment.

The Ambassador met with children with special needs and took part in the opening of Akhaltsikhe’s new “Equality Corner,” an initiative led by UNFPA and supported by the EU to foster human rights, equality, and youth participation.

A key highlight of the visit was the launch of a new EU Info Point, hosted by the Union of Democrat Meskhs under the REACT for Georgia programme. The Info Point will serve as a civic hub—providing access to information, trainings, and civic engagement opportunities for local community.

An interactive session of the EU-supported “Bookshelf” educational game, teaching young people about Europe, its history and culture, concluded the visit, with local youth representatives meeting the Ambassador and engaging in the activity.

The Civil Society Foundation announces a grant competition within the framework of the “United for Georgia’s European Way” project, which is supported by the European Union and implemented by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), the Civil Society Foundation (CSF), the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) and the House of Free Journalists (IJH).

The main goal of the EU-funded project is to promote civil society participation and democratic oversight throughout the country in Georgia’s European integration process, as well as strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to support the European integration process. 

Civil society organisations, initiative groups, community organisations and community groups are given the opportunity to participate in the competition.

The purpose of the competition

The main objective of the grant competition is to support such initiatives and projects that will contribute to the process of European integration of Georgia, broad public involvement in it, as well as increasing interest and awareness of the European Union throughout the country – in the regions, villages and communities of Georgia.

Within the framework of the competition, special preference will be given to innovative ideas, initiatives and events that will also cover hard-to-reach settlements and small population groups.

The purpose of the competition is to support projects that include, among others, the following activities:

a. Communication and information campaigns, media initiatives to promote awareness;
b. Evidence-based advocacy (including central and local government monitoring);
c. Countering disinformation targeting European values;
d. Civil and community initiatives, including youth participation.

The activity must correspond to the main goal of the project: promoting the process of European integration of Georgia and mobilizing public support in this direction.

Applications submission procedure and requirements:

• Civil Society Organizations, Initiative Groups, Community Organizations and Community Groups, both from Tbilisi and from the Regions of Georgia, can participate in the competition;
• The project must be drawn up according to the grant application form (the form can be found at the following web address: https://apply.csf.ge/en/ );  When filling out the application, in the block No.2 (general information about the project), it is necessary to tick the EU Integration Program;
• The project’s goals and action plan should be clearly visible in the application;
• The budget should be realistic, well-founded and relevant to the proposed activities;
• The amount requested for the implementation of the project presented within the framework of the competition should not exceed 15,000 EUR, the minimum amount should not be less than 10,000 Euros;
• Along with the application, must be submitted general information about projects implemented in 2023-2024 (if available);
• The maximum period of project implementation is 9 months, and the minimum is 4 months.
• It is not allowed to submit two or more applications by one applicant within the framework of the competition.

Submission deadline: 16 April, 2025, 17:00

The applicant is responsible for submitting the application in a timely and complete manner. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Grant-seeker Consultations: upon request.
For more information, you can contact us: Tel.: 599 539910; Email: iraklitsertsvadze@gmail.com.

Selection procedure: projects submitted to the competition will be assessed by an expert commission of the European Integration Program of the Civil Society Foundation. Selection criteria will be determined in advance to ensure that the grant competition is fair and transparent.

The Civil Society Foundation thanks you for your interest in the competition and wishes you success!

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The project is supported by the European Union and implementing by a consortium led by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), which includes the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC), the Civil Society Foundation (CSF) and the House of Free Journalists (IJH).

The project aims to promote Georgia’s further integration with the European Union through extensive public participation and cooperation; the strengthening of democracy and freedom of expression; the empowerment of civil society, youth, media, business, as well as legal support for local activists; the initiation of high-quality research and public dialogue; and the raising of awareness of Georgian society and the international community.  

This document has been produced with the assistance of the European Union and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung within the framework of the project “United for Georgia’s European Way”. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Civil Society Foundation and do not necessary reflect the views of the European Union and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung.

Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. The world is facing a growing waste crisis, and industries across the globe are being urged to rethink how they create, consume, and dispose of resources. Among the most waste-intensive industries is fashion. That’s why the concept of Zero Waste—the idea that all materials can be reused, recycled, or repurposed—has taken center stage in the global conversation on sustainability.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the United Nations declared March 30 as International Zero Waste Day—a call to action for governments, industries, and individuals alike. Georgia has embraced this vision, and at the forefront of the country’s efforts, stands the European Union, which has been instrumental in supporting initiatives that promote sustainable practices and the circular economy.

The EU’s commitment goes beyond policies—it’s about people, creativity, and innovation. That’s why the EU-funded Quality Infrastructure for Standards (QUIS) project has partnered with Georgia’s fashion and textile sector to promote Zero Waste through sustainable fashion.

One of the most inspiring outcomes of this partnership was the recent participation of Georgian designer Giorgi Keburia in London Fashion Week—a global platform for cutting-edge, responsible fashion.

Backstage in London, there’s a quiet buzz. Team members are making final adjustments—makeup is set, outfitslined up. In the center of it all, Keburia stands calmly, perhaps a little nervous. Understandable—this is one of the world’s most prestigious fashion events. His selection by the British Fashion Council was not only a nod to his bold creativity but a recognition of his commitment to sustainable fashion.

Keburia’s collection stood out for its originality and elegance, inspired by childhood memories of playing with dolls. However, what truly elevated his work was its environmental consciousness: the use of organic and recycled materials, chemical-free fabrics, sustainable packaging, and verified eco-friendly supply chains.

 These values are at the heart of what the EU promotes through its support for Georgia’s creative industries. As Mari Goguadze, Communications Manager of the QUIS project explains: “We work closely with Georgian designers to help them meet international standards. Thanks to EU support, we’re introducing innovation, quality assurance, and sustainable practices—making Georgian fashion globally competitive.”

And the results speak for themselves. At London Fashion Week, Giorgi Keburia’s designs captivated critics and audiences alike. One fashion critic described his work as “provocative and liberating,” blending Victorian-era aesthetics with modern flair.More than just a personal triumph, Keburia’s moment in the spotlight was a celebration of what’s possible when sustainability, creativity, and European partnership come together.

As Nicholas Cendrowicz, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Georgia, puts it:

“Georgia’s EU integration will mean more environmental sustainability. We are proud to support efforts that encourage Zero Waste and circular economy models across all sectors—including fashion. And helping Georgians who show that you can look great whilst minimising the damage to the planet“.

By supporting young designers like Keburia, the European Union is helping plant the seeds of a Zero Waste future—one stitch, one collection, one runway at a time.

The Delegation of the European Union is preparing the Annual Report 2025 on Georgia, in the framework of the Enlargement Package.

For each of the criteria – political, economic criteria and European standards (chapters) – an evaluation will be made of Georgia’s progress since the Georgia Report 2024[1] (adopted on 30.10.2024). Progress will be measured in terms of concrete decisions taken, adopted legislation, measures implemented and structures currently in place and functioning. The reporting period of the report is 1 September2024 to 31 August 2025.

Considering the key role of Civil Society Organisations in Georgia’s European Integration process, as well as the contribution thereto of International Organisations and development partners, we welcome your input through written contributions to feed into our analysis and in-depth assessment.

Written contributions should be sent by 16 April 2025 to the following email address: DELEGATION-GEORGIA-ANNUAL-REPORT@eeas.europa.eu with the subject: Georgia 2025 Report – (Name of your organisation) contribution.

In addition, the EU Delegation will hold public consultations with Civil Society Organisations in the beginning of April. The venue for these consultations will be: Pullman Tbilisi. The programme is as follows:

Tuesday 1 April14:30 – 17:30Public Consultation I: Democracy and fundamental rights

• Elections
• Parliament
• Governance – Public Administration Reform
• Civil Society
• Protection of fundamental rights
• Freedom of expression and mediaWednesday 2 April10:00 – 12:30Public Consultation II: Chapters of the EU acquis

• Public procurement, statistics, financial control
• Cluster 2: Internal market
• Cluster 3: Competitiveness and inclusive growth
• Cluster 4: The green agenda and sustainable connectivity
• Cluster 5: Resources, agriculture and cohesion
• Cluster 6: External relations
 
(Includes Agriculture, fisheries, rural development and food safety; Environment and climate change; Transport; Energy; Social policy and employment ; Education and culture; Research and innovation)Wednesday 2 April14:30 – 17:30Public Consultation III: Rule of Law

• Functioning of the judiciary
• Fight against corruption
• Fight against organised crime
• Cooperation in the field of drugs
• Fight against terrorism
• Judicial cooperation
• Legal and irregular migration, asylum, visa policy, Schengen and external borders

If you would like to participate, please let us know by expressing your interest and indicating which session(s) you wish to attend: DELEGATION-GEORGIA-ANNUAL-REPORT@eeas.europa.eu

For logistical reasons, participation will be limited to one person per organisation. The language used will be English, simultaneous interpretation in Georgian will be provided.

Separate consultations with International Organisations, business/private sector/IFIs and development partners will also be organised, for which the details will be shared at a later stage.

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[1]  https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/georgia-report-2024_en

On 22 March, the “10 Years in Focus” exhibition was opened at Gori Art House, offering a compelling visual narrative of Georgia’s most significant historical moments over the past decade. Featuring works by photojournalists, awarded by the EU Prize for Journalism, the exhibition reflects the resilience, challenges, and triumphs of Georgia and its people.

The exhibition also features pictures highlighting the work of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM), which has been contributing to peace and stability in Georgia for 16 years. The collaboration between the EU Prize for Journalism and EUMM is a natural one—EUMM has long supported journalists through the prize, and this exhibition further strengthens that partnership. It stands as yet another example of the EU’s deep and lasting commitment to Georgia.

“The EU is proud to support independent journalism and cultural spaces like Art House Gori. Culture and creativity is not just about expression—it is about giving a voice to communities, preserving culture, and creating dialogue. We want to ensure these voices continues to be heard in Georgia—loud and clear—for many years to come.”.”— Zane Rungule, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Georgia.

“For over 16 years, EUMM has been present in Georgia, with one of our three Field Offices located in Gori. We are honoured to contribute to this exhibition with photographs that offer a glimpse into the daily efforts of our Mission and the people behind it.” – Jessica Rothmann, Head of Field Office Gori of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM).

“We are especially thrilled to host this exhibition at the Gori Art House, a space renovated with the support of the European Union and recognized as a key hub for safeguarding freedom of expression and creative freedom. As you know, the Art House has endured persistent attacks over the past five months, making it even more meaningful to come together here in celebration of the values that unite us – resilience, dignity, freedom—deeply intertwined with our story and the stories this exhibition seeks to tell.”— Otar Gvritishvili, Chairman of the Gori Photographers’ Club

The exhibition reaffirms the EU’s unwavering support for the people of Georgia and demonstrates the EU’s commitment to continue supporting Georgia’s artists, journalists, and cultural spaces. It will be open to public at the Art House Gori following the official opening.

About Art House Gori

A creative organization Art House Gori combines a gallery with a free space of Merab Mamardashvili. The mission of Art House Gori is to actively promote the development and popularisation of contemporary art.

About the EU Prize for Journalism

Established in 2012, the EU Prize for Journalism is an annual award recognising excellence in Georgian journalism. Organized by the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, the prize promotes professionalism, ethical journalism, and media integrity. The award follows the principles of the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics and encourages high standards in Georgian media.

The prize recognizes outstanding work in categories such as investigative reporting, feature stories, blogs, and documentary photography, across both traditional and digital media.

About the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM)

The European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) is an unarmed, civilian mission deployed in Georgia on 1 October 2008 after the war between Russia and Georgia. Its mandate is to contribute to stability and support the conflict-affected population in resuming a safe and normal life. EUMM maintains a 24/7 presence through regular patrols along the Administrative Boundary Lines, while also fostering confidence-building and providing impartial reporting to the EU and its Member States on security-related developments.

Georgia possesses significant forest resources, with approximately 44.5% of its land area covered by forests (3,100,500 ha). Georgia boasts up to 400 species of trees and shrubs. 98.5% of the country’s forests are of natural origin with the remaining 1.5% being artificial stands mostly made up of various pine species. Nevertheless, between 2000-2022, the annual loss of the natural forest in Georgia was 500 ha, and in 2023 estimated to be 785 ha. This has been caused by illegal harvesting, soil erosion and desertification, and uncontrolled grazing in forest areas.

The European Union has been a long-standing partner with Georgia in environmental protection. Enhanced biodiversity conservation and promotion of sustainable resource management are part of the European Union (EU)-Georgia Association Agreement signed on August 30, 2014.

In order to preserve the biodiversity and ensure sustainable management of forests in Georgia, the EU, within the EU4Environment Programme, and the World Bank as an implementing partner, have launched several activities on conservation and sustainable forestry in the country.

As part of its conducted work, the EU4Environment Programme has been actively working towards the implementation of Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) certification and development of the roadmap with action-orientated milestones and timelines to ensure the responsible use and conservation of the national forest resources. The Programme has identified the barriers to overcome such as gaps in legal framework, lack of stakeholders’ engagement and capacity building. Achieving SFM will help Georgia curb illegal logging, improve forest governance, contribute to social and economic wellbeing of local communities, and align with international agreements, facilitating trade and market access, particularly within the EU.

The Programme is also working on improving the management of forest areas within the Emerald Network sites and has developed a set of guidelines to assist forest practitioners in planning and conducting forestry operations. These guidelines aim to harmonize long-term preservation of species and habitats with sustainable forest use. This will help ensure essential benefits and services from nature, including ecosystem services such as clean air and water provision, prevention of soil degradation, protection against erosion and runoff, support for agricultural production (for example, through pollination), access to timber and non-timber forest resources, nature-based tourism, and recreational opportunities.

Protecting woodlands and enhancing the sustainable forestry in Georgia is essential to maintain ecological balance, secure livelihoods and strengthen communities, and ensure the well-being of the citizens and future generations.

Georgia’s Business Landscape: Economic Growth Faces Political,  Workforce and Structural Barriers

Despite continued economic growth in 2023 and early 2024, businesses in Georgia are facing number of challenges, primarily driven by political uncertainty and workforce shortages, according to the newly released EU Business Climate Report Georgia 2024. The survey, conducted among up to 200 companies with European links, highlights concerns that could hinder long-term economic stability.

Key Challenges Facing Businesses in Georgia

The report underscores three critical obstacles affecting businesses:

1. Political Instability: The stalled EU accession process since June 2024, coupled with upcoming parliamentary elections, has impacted business environment ––76.7 % of companies cite instability as a major concern
2. Workforce Deficit & Skills Gap: Nearly half of surveyed companies report skills shortages leading to 5-40% underperformance, with an estimated annual GDP loss of 26%.
3. Exchange Rate Fluctuations: Currency instability continues to challenge businesses in financial planning and investment decisions.

Additionally, concerns over corruption and regulatory inefficiencies have been raised by businesses, particularly in relation to tax policies, public procurement, and the judicial system, further complicating the investment climate.

One of the most important findings is the severe shortage of skilled labor, which has led to an annual income loss of 55.6 billion GEL across businesses. High emigration and mismatched education programs further worsen this issue. Despite its cost, investing in internal workforce training has shown a positive return for businesses proving that workforce development is a key driver of resilience.

Impact of Workforce Shortage:

• GDP loss: -26% annually
• Value added shortfall: -21.2B GEL
• Unrealized business income: -55.6B GEL

Meanwhile, while the EU remains Georgia’s largest trade partner, exports to the EU fell by 18% in 2023(Geostat figures), primarily due to:

• High compliance costs for EU standards
• Lack of accredited laboratories for European certification
• Limited understanding of regulatory frameworks among businesses

Additionally, SMEs, despite showing growth, still struggle with low economic contribution, and their access to EU markets remains challenging.

The report calls for accelerated judicial and education reforms to enhance business confidence. Education institutions must work closely with the private sector to align skills development programs with market needs. Meanwhile, improving economic policies and trade infrastructure will be crucial to sustaining Georgia’s EU market integration efforts.

In conclusion, the findings of the EU Business Climate Report Georgia 2024 paint a complex picture. While economic growth continues, it is overshadowed by political uncertainties, workforce shortages, and trade barriers. To maintain momentum, Georgia must address these structural issues—particularly workforce development—to secure long-term stability and EU market access.

Read the Full Report

The EU supported the 3rd edition of the EU-Georgia Business Climate Report to examine key aspects of the business environment from the perspective of the private sector. In 2024, the report primarily addressed issues related to workforce shortages and skills development. The findings were derived from responses by up to 200 European companies operating in Georgia, along with desk research and interviews with key informants.

Financed by the EU and the German government, “EU4ITD – Catalysing Economic and Social Life” (CESL) seeks to  improve the people’s livelihoods in Georgian regions, thus contributing to a decrease in outward migration to the Tbilisi.  The project is implemented by GIZ in the framework of the national initiative, the Pilot Integrated Regional Development  Programme. 

As part of its remit to stimulate or increase income generation (by activating untapped economic potential), CESL seeks  to: 

• Identify gaps in value chains which have a regional scope or are location-specific, and
• Provide financing to fill such gaps. 
To this end, CESL is soliciting project ideas which could, after appropriate due diligence, be funded. 

Such project ideas: 
1. May be submitted by any non-governmental legal person which is both registered and operating in one (or  more) of the following regions: Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Racha, Lechkhumi, and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti, Samstkhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli. 
2. Must have a primary “public benefit” goal. 
3. Must relate to a value chain which is either regional in scope and/or concerns a specific location (or locations) – for example, materials which are typically produced in a defined territory but used to manufacture goods  elsewhere. Further, each value chain must relate directly to at least one of the regions indicated above. 
4. Must clearly identify gaps in the existing value chain and propose solutions to fill them.
5. Must have an implementation period which ends no later than 27 September 2025. 
6. Cannot involve investment by CESL in any land, infrastructure (including buildings) or plant owned by central  or local government. 

In the case of interest, applications should be submitted in Georgian to euitdcesl@giz.de using the attached form.  Indicatively, maximum and minimum budgets are set at ₾225,000 and ₾75,000 respectively, though higher/lower  amounts may also be considered. The call will remain open for applications until 31 May 2025. 

After receipt of an application, CESL will conduct appropriate due diligence (e.g. contacting the applicant followed by  a site visit). The project idea will subsequently be assessed against the criteria set out on the next page; in this process,  the results of CESL’s due diligence activities will be taken into account. The applicant will be formally notified of the  outcome of assessment, and in the case it is positive, CESL will proceed to negotiate in more detail concerning project  content, modalities, and contractual relations (most likely taking the form of grant financing under a contract concluded  between GIZ and the applicant). Note that contracts will only be concluded with legal persons which have updated their  registration data in line with Law on Entrepreneurs.

In the case of queries, CESL’s regional representatives should be contacted as follows: nino.khukhua@giz.de (Guria, Racha, Lechkhumi, and Kvemo Svaneti, Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti), mariam.zhorzhikashvili@giz.de (Imereti, Samstkhe-Javakheti, Shida Kartli), and zurab.tsignadze@giz.de (Kakheti, Kvemo Kartli, Mtskheta-Mtianeti).

Apply now and take the first step towards an outstanding academic journey!

The call for applications is now open for the 2025-2027 Eastern Partnership European School Scholarship Programme. Applications will be accepted from 1-31 March 2025.

Now in its sixth edition, this prestigious programme offers full scholarships  for up to 25 outstanding students from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine to pursue a European-focused International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at New School in Tbilisi.

Why apply?

• Fully funded by the EU, covering tuition, accommodation & meals, travel, medical insurance, study materials, and more.
• World-class IB education with a European perspective
• Opportunities to engage in EU-sponsored seminars and conferences
• A stepping stone to top universities worldwide.

Who can apply?

Eligible students must:

• Be citizens and residents of one of the six Eastern Partnership countries.
• Be enrolled in a secondary school in one of these countries at the time of application
• Be 16-17 years old as of 1 September 2025
• Have a minimum 70% GPA over the last two academic years
• Demonstrate English proficiency (B2 level or higher)
• Knowledge of an additional EU language is an advantage

Key dates

• Application Deadline: 31 March 2025, 12:00 PM (Georgia time,UTC+4)
• Written Tests (Mathematics and English): April 2025(online)
• Interviews: May-June 2025 (in English, via Zoom)

How to apply

Interested candidates must create an online applicant profile and submit their application at: https://eapeuropeanschool.com.