2016年-CEPS欧洲政策研究中心_Georgia_and_Europe_–_A_short_guide_44页_1mb

Summary of "Georgia and Europe: A Short Guide"

Core Content

This booklet provides an overview of the Association Agreement (AA) and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) between the European Union (EU) and Georgia, highlighting the political, legal, and economic dimensions of their relationship. The AA was signed on 27 June 2014 and entered into force on 1 July 2016, marking a significant step in Georgia's integration with the EU. The document outlines the key provisions and objectives of the agreement, as well as Georgia's progress and challenges in aligning with EU standards.

Main Points

Political Principles, Rule of Law and Foreign Policy

• Political Commitment: The AA is based on shared European values, including democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.
• Georgia's Constitution: Georgia is a young democracy with a constitution established in 1995. It has undergone several amendments to strengthen democratic governance, despite ongoing challenges.
• Judicial Independence: The judiciary is constitutionally independent, but concerns remain about its political independence and effectiveness.
• Human Rights: There has been improvement in Georgia's human rights record, particularly in legislation such as the Anti-Discrimination Law.
• Foreign Policy: Georgia seeks closer alignment with the EU in foreign and security policy, especially to counter Russian influence. It participates in several EU military and civilian missions.

Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA)

• Market Access for Goods: The DCFTA provides for the liberalisation of tariffs for most goods, with minor exceptions in agricultural products.
• Trade Remedies: The DCFTA includes EU-style trade defence measures such as anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, and safeguard measures. These have not been used yet, as Georgia's current legislation does not support them.
• Customs Services: Georgia has implemented significant reforms to its customs system, making it efficient and transparent. It is well-positioned to become a regional trade hub.
• Technical Standards for Industrial Goods: Georgia is aligning its technical standards with EU regulations, which is essential for enhancing its industry's competitiveness.
• Food Safety Regulations: Georgia has improved its SPS (Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary) measures, aligning them with EU standards. There are exceptions for local products and traditional methods.
• Services: The DCFTA includes detailed liberalisation of services, with Georgia's commitments being more liberal than the EU's. This includes financial, telecommunications, and tourism services.
• Public Procurement: The DCFTA promotes reciprocal liberalisation of public procurement, requiring Georgia to implement EU rules. Georgia has made progress through e-procurement systems.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Georgia is modernising its IPR system to align with EU standards, which is crucial for attracting foreign investment. Several Georgian products, including wines, have been registered under EU geographical indications.
• Competition Policy: Georgia's competition policy is influenced by EU law, with recent reforms focusing on antitrust and state aid. However, the definition of dominant position remains a concern.
• Statistics: Georgia has made progress in building a modern statistical system, but it still needs to align more closely with Eurostat standards.

Economic Cooperation

• Macroeconomics and Financial Assistance: The EU provides financial support for technical assistance and investment, especially where there are high adjustment costs.
• Financial Markets: Georgia aims to align its financial regulations with EU standards to enhance market access and attract investment.
• Transport: Georgia has developed its transport infrastructure and is positioned to benefit from the integration of China's Silk Road with EU networks.
• Energy: The EU supports Georgia's energy sector through cooperation and investment, especially in the context of regional energy security.
• Environment: Environmental cooperation is a key component of the DCFTA, with Georgia aligning its standards and regulations.
• Digital Sector: The DCFTA includes provisions for the digital sector, supporting Georgia's efforts to develop its IT infrastructure and e-commerce.
• Consumer Protection: Georgia is aligning its consumer protection laws with EU standards to ensure fair trade and high-quality products.
• Company Law: Georgia is modernising its company law to align with EU practices, which is essential for business development.
• Agriculture: The agricultural sector is a major part of Georgia's economy, and the DCFTA aims to improve its competitiveness and compliance with EU standards.
• Employment and Social Policy: The DCFTA includes provisions to support employment and social policies, promoting better working conditions and social development.
• Education, Training and Culture: The agreement supports cooperation in education and culture, enhancing Georgia's integration with the EU.
• Science, Technology and Space: Georgia is working to align its science and technology policies with EU standards, aiming to foster innovation and development.
• EU Agencies and Programmes: The DCFTA facilitates the involvement of EU agencies and programmes in Georgia's development, particularly in areas such as infrastructure and education.
• Cross-border Cooperation: Georgia is strengthening its cross-border cooperation with the EU, enhancing regional integration and economic ties.
• Civil Society: The DCFTA encourages civil society engagement, promoting transparency and accountability in public policy.

Legal and Institutional Provisions

• Dispute Settlement: The DCFTA includes mechanisms for resolving trade disputes, reflecting EU legal standards.
• Institutional Provisions: The agreement outlines the institutional framework for cooperation, including the role of Georgian and EU institutions in implementing the provisions.

Key Information

• Signed and Ratified: The AA and DCFTA were signed in 2014 and ratified by Georgia, the European Parliament, and all EU member states.
• Economic Modernisation: The DCFTA aims to modernise Georgia's economy by aligning it with EU standards and increasing trade and investment.
• Progress and Challenges: Georgia has made significant progress in various areas, including customs, e-procurement, and IPR, but challenges remain in judicial independence, competition law, and statistical alignment.
• Strategic Importance: Georgia's strategic location and economic reforms position it as a key player in the Black Sea-Caucasus-Caspian region, with potential for further integration with the EU and other global partners.

Conclusion

The DCFTA and AA represent a major step in Georgia's integration with the EU, providing a framework for political and economic alignment. While Georgia has made substantial progress, there are still areas requiring reform and alignment, particularly in legal and institutional frameworks. The agreement serves as a roadmap for Georgia to become a more competitive and integrated European economy.