EU Commissioner Discuss Neighborhood Policy in Georgia

EU Commissioner in charge of enlargement Janez Poto?nik, who visited Georgia on July 5-6 as part of a trip to the South Caucasus region, discussed the European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) and the EU?s assistance programs with the Georgian leadership.

?The inclusion of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia into the European Neighborhood Policy sends the important message that the EU is fully committed to supporting the Southern Caucasian countries on their route towards building stable societies based on democratic values. The ENP provides us with an essential instrument to promote progress in reform in each of these countries,? Commissioner Poto?nik said at a news briefing in Tbilisi on July 6.

The visit follows the decision by the EU Council of Ministers, on June 14, to include the three Southern Caucasian countries ? Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia in the European Neighborhood Policy.

He said by the end of 2004 the European Commission will draw up a special document regarding the South Caucasus countries, including Georgia, known as the Country Report, which will provide the basis for an action plan designed to bring these countries closer to EU standards.
 
The issue of EU assistance to Georgia was also discussed during the visit. Total EU assistance for 2004-2006 amounts to $164 million;  twice as much as was available during the previous 3-year period that ended in 2003.