For more than three decades, the European Union has been supporting Georgia ’s continued development through knowledge and experience sharing, expertise, innovation, and financial support. The partnership between the EU and the citizens of Georgia is based on the shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, gender equality, and inclusive economic growth.

Since 1992, the EU has been Georgia’s largest foreign donor. Over the past few years, Georgia received one of the highest levels of assistance of all of the EU’s partners per capita. We have provided around €85 million of technical assistance and grants annually, supplemented by a substantial support in investments through European Financial Institutions.

However, as a result of democratic backsliding, the EU has downgraded political contacts and suspended the provision of €30 million under the European Peace Facility and over €120 million in direct assistance to the government of Georgia. This has not affected the EU’s support for civil society and independent media.

The EU’s support to Georgia has always focused on improving the quality of life for the people in Georgia in a tangible and visible manner. Until recently, the EU has been the catalyst for the continued and systemic improvements in the country’s public sector performance, by serving as one of the largest supporters of Georgia’s Public Administration Reform agenda in line with the European principles and best practices.

In 2014, the EU and Georgia signed an Association Agreement, followed by the introduction of a preferential trade regime, the Deep & Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The EU is Georgia’s main trading partner, focused on the introduction of high standards and quality, while respecting and promoting Georgian heritage, traditions, and culture.

The EU continues to support Georgia’s youth, providing opportunities in education, culture, and other spheres. It also facilitated many opportunities for the country’s younger population to live and study in Europe, enabling Georgian youth to return after their studies and use the acquired knowledge to build a more robust and successful Georgia.

The EU’s work in Georgia is also focuses on creating a cleaner environment and a more sustainable lifestyle for citizens. Collaboration between Georgians and EU citizens helps connect people digitally and physically, improve skills, and enrich lives.
Since 28 March 2017, the opportunity of a visa-free travel to Schengen countries has brought benefits to over 1 million Georgian citizens, , and resulted in over 3.5 million visits.

The EU remains a steadfast partner of the people of Georgia, including civil society, youth and independent media. The EU will continue supporting their European aspirations and their desire for a strong, independent, democratic, resilient, and prosperous Georgia.