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

The EU is 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 provide around EUR 85 million of technical assistance and grant annually, supplemented by a substantial support in investments through International Financial Institutions. However, as a result of democratic backsliding, Georgia will lose €121 million from the 2022, 2023 and 2024 allocations. The EU’s support to Georgia is geared at improving the quality of life for the people in Georgia in a tangible and visible manner.

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 largest trading partner, focused on the introduction of high standards and quality, while respecting and promoting Georgian heritage, traditions, and culture.

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.

The EU has created a myriad of opportunities for the country’s younger population to live and study in Europe, enabling Georgian youth to return after their studies and put this acquired knowledge to use to build a more robust and successful Georgia.

The EU and Georgia work together for a cleaner environment and sustainable lifestyles. Collaboration between Georgians and EU citizens help connect people digitally and physically, improve skills, and enrich lives. The opportunity to freely travel to Schengen area countries under a visa-free agreement has brought benefits to close to 1 million Georgian citizens, since coming into effect on 28 March 2017, and resulted in 2.5 million visits.

As Georgia continues its journey towards EU membership, the EU is a steadfast partner for a strong, independent, democratic, resilient and prosperous Georgia.