In June 2014, the EU and Georgia signed an Association Agreement (AA), which entered into force on 1 July 2016. This, along with the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), builds a foundation for far-reaching Georgia’s political and economic integration with the EU. The joint objectives are promotion of democracy and the rule of law, human rights, good governance and economic development. The AA institutional framework establishes bodies such as the Association Council to oversee its application, with the Association Agenda defining priorities necessary for its implementation. Until 2022, the EU issued annual implementation reports to document the steps undertaken by Georgia in implementation of the AA/DCFTA. 

The AA is itself an outcome of the EU's European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), an important part of the EU’s foreign policy aimed at enhancing the prosperity, stability and security of an enlarged EU and its neighbours. The launch of the EU’s Eastern Partnership (EaP) in 2009, which includes Georgia, extended cooperation and further highlighted the importance of the region. As well as bolstering reforms, the EaP works towards greater mobility of citizens and stronger collaboration in a number of sectors, such as transport, energy and the environment.

On 3 March, 2022, Georgia submitted its application for membership of the European Union. On 23 June 2022, the European Council recognised the European perspective for Georgia and expressed readiness to grant the status of a candidate country once the 12 priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion on Georgia’s membership application have been addressed. Since then, the European Commission has been issuing an annual Enlargement Report, evaluating Georgia’s progress regarding its EU path.

On 8 November 2023, in its Report on Georgia and the 2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy, the European Commission recommended that the European Council grants Georgia the status of a candidate country, on the understanding that 9 steps are taken by Georgia. On this basis, on 14 December 2023, the European Council decided to grant candidate status to Georgia.

Half a year later, on 27 June 2024, the European Council announced that the EU accession process for Georgia was “de facto halted”, due to backsliding on the steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation for candidate status, in particular, the adoption of the “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence”. On 17 October 2024, the European Council recalled that the EU accession process for Georgia was stopped and called on Georgia to adopt democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms, in line with the core principles of European integration.

On 30 October 2024, the European Commission published the second Enlargement Report on Georgia (extract on Georgia) and issued its 2024 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy (extract on Georgia). On this occasion, the Commission noted that granting of the candidate status to Georgia in December 2023 has not been followed by sufficient political commitment of the authorities to implement the necessary reforms for the country’s progress on the European path. In particular, the report showed that Georgia has made insignificant progress on the implementation of the nine steps. 

On 19 December 2024, the European Council expressed regret over the Georgian government’s decision to suspend the country’s EU accession process until 2028. Unless Georgia reverts the current course of action, which jeopardises its EU path, and demonstrates tangible efforts to address outstanding concerns and key reforms, the Commission will not be in a position to consider recommending opening negotiations with Georgia.

Since 2008, an EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM) has operated in the vicinity of the administrative boundary lines. On 1 October 2023, EUMM marked its 15th year of presence in Georgia.

The EU is committed to cooperate with Georgia in the area of foreign and security policy to increase convergence, but this area has also been affected by the political developments in the country. An annual High-Level Political and Security Dialogue has been held since 2017, to complement regular exchanges. Its last meeting took place in January 2024. Georgia had been an active contributor to EU CSDP missions and operations since 2014, but it ended its latest contribution to the EU Training Mission in the Central African Republic in June 2023 and has not offered any other contributions. To support the modernisation of Georgia’s defence forces, between 2021 and 2023, the EU has allocated almost EUR 63 million through the European Peace Facility. This support provides non-lethal equipment, supplies and services. The adoption of the 2024 European Peace Facility assistance measure has been suspended as a result of the democratic backsliding observed in the country in 2024.
 

Visa-free travel between Georgia and the EU entered into force on 28 March 2017. This means that citizens of Georgia with biometric passports can enter the Schengen area visa-free and can stay for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period. However, due to democratic backsliding and the adoption of several undemocratic legislations that undermine the fundamental rights of the Georgian people, the Council of the European Union decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement for Georgian diplomats and officials holding diplomatic passports. For travels to a member state which has reintroduced visa requirements, Georgian diplomats and officials will have to apply for a visa. They will also no longer benefit from shorter application times, lower visa fees and the possibility to submit fewer supporting documents.

Since 2014, Georgia has progressively extended its participation in EU programmes. It currently takes part in Horizon Europe, Creative Europe, EU4Youth, the Customs Programme Fiscalis and the transnational cooperation Interreg programme Black Sea Bassin. Organisations and individuals from Georgia can also benefit from certain actions of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps Programme.

Based on Georgia’s participation in International Credit Mobility (ICM) in the period of 2021-2027, until now (end of 2024) 6,850 mobility schemes for higher education students and staff were implemented, as well as 11 Capacity Building for Higher Education projects and 6 Jean Monnet projects in 2024. Under Horizon Europe, in 2024, 46 projects were awarded with participation of Georgian Research and Innovation actors.

Under the European Union Visitors Programme (EUVP), young political leaders and opinion–formers from outside the EU are invited on tailor-made study visits to meet Members of the European Parliament, officials from the EU Institutions, and other EU stakeholders.

Visitors have usually completed university education or equivalent training and have already gained a few years of professional experience. Basic knowledge of the EU Institutions and how they work is required, as is a sufficiently good command of English or French to allow active participation in meetings.

The EU is at the forefront of the fight against climate change, with the aim to be climate-neutral by 2050. The European Green Deal promotes a fair transition towards sustainable, resource-efficient and climate neutral economies and energy systems.

In Georgia, the EU supports efforts to tackle and adapt to climate change. The EU has funded numerous infrastructure projects in order to tap into the potential of increasing green and renewable energy and eco-friendly transports. This common work has contributed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting climate change. The EU has also worked with Georgia to bring environmental legislation closer to EU standards. 

Biodiversity is essential for life, providing us with food, health and medicine, materials, recreation, and wellbeing. In this area, the EU has supported  Georgia in the development and management of protected areas, the protection of water resources through the development of water and sanitation infrastructure and the provision of equipment to monitor quality and flows, as well as setting mechanisms to better manage environmental risks and impacts.

The EU has also been working to improve natural resource management and towards a climate-neutral, resource-efficient and circular economy for many years. In Georgia, the EU supports improved waste prevention and management through policy development and the strengthening of the Producer Responsible Organisations.

The sustainability of food systems is a key factor in fostering inclusive economic development for smallholders and women in rural areas. This is driven by consumers' expectations for food safety and their rights, ensured through compliance with EU standards. Under the ENPARD programmes, food value chains not only strengthen their contribution to the local economy but also support non-agricultural activities, enhancing access to social services and promoting the economic empowerment of local actors selected through the EU LEADER / Community-Led Local Development approach.

EU support to human rights, democracy and rule of law has been directed particularly towards transparency and inclusiveness of the electoral process, transparency and accountability of the justice system, gender equality, protecting journalists and civic activists, rights of children, rights of persons belonging to minorities, rights of persons with disabilities and labour rights.

Recently, the environment for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law in Georgia has deteriorated. The adoption of a number of legislative initiatives has undermined the legal framework for upholding the rights of the Georgian people, including freedoms of association and expression, equality, and the right to liberty and security, the right to privacy, and the right to participate in public affairs. The space for civic activism has shrunk. The practice of excessive police force and arbitrary detention, and severe, intentional violence, raised credible concerns about torture and inhumane treatment, occurring in a context where impunity prevails. 

The parliamentary elections held on 26 October 2024 fell short of EU standards; international and domestic observation reports identified numerous irregularities, including the misuse of administrative resources and allegations of intimidation and vote buying, especially during the pre-election campaign. 

Despite these setbacks, the EU remains steadfast in supporting Georgia’s civil society, independent media, youth, and  citizens’  European aspirations. The EU is ready to support Georgia’s path towards accession, should the Georgian authorities decide to reverse their present course of action.

Global Gateway is fully aligned with the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as with the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Global Gateway aims to mobilise globally up to €300 billion by 2027 in sustainable investments around the world. By September 2024, the EU leveraged EUR 2.1 billion in public and private investments for Georgia in the framework of Global Gateway.

Through a 'Team Europe approach', Global Gateway brings together the EU, its Member States and their financial and development institutions to mobilise the private sector to leverage investments for a transformational impact.

Global Gateway covers five main themes (digital, climate and energy, transport, health, education and research).

In Georgia, Global Gateway is implemented mainly through the following six flagships:

Georgia Flagship 1 - Black Sea Connectivity

Black Sea connectivity is the top priority for Georgia. The two projects under this Flagship for Georgia are also priority projects of Global Gateway.

a) Deploying a submarine optic fibre cable

The deployment of a submarine fibre optic cable -will further integrate the Georgian market with the EU, and people and businesses will benefit from a faster and more stable direct internet connection between Georgia and the EU. This optic fibre cable will create a direct connection between the South Caucasus and South-East Europe and will diversify the connection between Europe and Asia.

b) Deploying a submarine electricity cable

The Black Sea Submarine Cable (BSSC) project connecting Georgia with the EU is a priority for both the EU and the region. Studies on the exact cost of the investment and its economic and technical viability are ongoing.

Georgia Flagship 2 - Transport across the Black Sea – Improving physical connections between Georgia & EU

Both Georgia and the EU have declared transport connectivity across the Black Sea to be a priority. One step to closer ties between Georgia and the EU Member States is increasing and reinforcing direct transport connections across the Black Sea. Among other things, this flagship involves developing new ferry/feeder services and refurbishing ports, including making them more energy efficient, which will promote trade in goods and facilitate the movement of people by creating a direct link with the EU Member States.

Georgia Flagship 3 - Economic Recovery – Supporting 80,000 SMEs to reap the full benefits of the DCFTA

This flagship has already surpassed its target to support 80,000 Georgian SMEs. SMEs are the backbone of the Georgian economy, but still face barriers such as limited access to finance to fund their innovation, transformation or expansion, to knowledge and to markets. The EU is a strong supporter of businesses in Georgia in both urban and rural areas. As reflected in the 2023 EU4Business Country report, over 100,000 SMEs have benefited from EU support in 2021-2023. By increasing opportunities for access to finance, providing technical advice and contributing to a more conducive business environment, the EU support SMEs’ competitiveness, access to markets, alignment with EU standards and practices, as well as their innovation, green transition and a sustainable and responsible business conduct. This ultimately contributes to the diversification of trade between the EU and Georgia. A significant part of the EU’s support goes to SMEs in the agri-food sector supporting their compliance with EU standards for food safety. 

Georgia Flagship 4 - Digital Connectivity for Citizens – Developing high-speed broadband infrastructure for 1,000 rural settlements

The development of high-speed broadband infrastructure for around 1,000 rural settlements and strengthened last-mile connectivity will reduce digital inequalities, including the rural-urban divide. This will contribute to economic development and recovery in line with Georgia’s ambition to position itself as a hub in the global digital economy.

Georgia Flagship 5 - Improved Air Quality - Cleaner Air for over 1 million People in Tbilisi

Air quality is a growing concern in Georgia. It particularly affects Tbilisi and other urban centres outside of the capital, especially post-industrial spaces.

The EU works on improving air quality monitoring in Georgia and its regions by installing air monitoring equipment and building capacities. Besides work to identify pollution sources, concrete investments will be made to improve the situation.

Georgia Flagship 6 - Energy efficiency in residential buildings

EU investments through regional and bilateral projects will enhance energy efficiency. Citizens will have lower energy costs and better quality of life through the reduction of energy poverty.

The EU is providing comprehensive assistance for the establishment of an energy efficiency framework in Georgia and for enabling the scaling-up of investments in energy efficiency. This will contribute to sustainable economic recovery, with a focus on vulnerable social groups, job creation, environment, climate change mitigation as well as increased resilience and energy security.

Further information on Global Gateway can be found at: Global Gateway - European Commission (europa.eu)