EU to Send ‘Rule of Law’ Aid Mission to Georgia

The European Union will send so called ‘Rule of Law’ mission to Georgia by mid-July to help the country in reforming its criminal justice system.

Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana discussed the issue during the meeting in Brussels on June 16.

The EU foreign ministers, meeting in Luxemburg on June 14 gave a go-ahead to the initiative, which will be the first ever Rule of Law mission of the European Union.

The mission will consist of ten experts from the EU member states co-located in key-positions with the Supreme Court, the General Prosecutor and relevant ministries. Its duration will initially be one year, with the possibility of an extension.

“The mission is felt to be an important signal of EU political engagement in the country and in the region,” the press release issued by the EU foreign affairs chief’s press office reads.

Chris Patten, European Commissioner for External Relations, said in Brussels on June 16 that sending of Rule of Law mission is “an indication of the EU’s strengthened engagement with regard to Georgia.”

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