“It is an honor to address the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee today. We all understand the importance of our work now and here. This occasion provides a one of a kind opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments and recognize the challenges that remain”, - David Songulashvili stated at the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee.

D. Songulashvili dwelt on Georgia’s progress and noted that through joint efforts and commitments that we share with our European friends and partners, we have built a strong and ambitious relationship: implementation of the Association Agreement; joining the Energy Community in 2017; visa-free travel regime; inclusion in the extended Trans-European Transport Network in 2018; setting up of the high level Strategic Security Dialogue with the EU in 2017; continued participation in the EU CSDP missions and operations.

In view of the upheld reforms in Georgia, the rapporteur phrased some most outstanding, namely: media freedom and protection of human rights, which are respectively reflected in the comprehensive reports of several international organizations.

Pursuant to the Chair of the EU Integration Committee, yet another major achievement has been the approval of the 4th wave of the judicial reform by the Parliament. The adopted changes were hailed by the Venice Commission and acknowledged by strategic partners, such as the US Embassy to Georgia and the European Union delegation.

The speaker noted of the new Constitution which is based on the key principles of a non-partisan President, strong Parliament, efficient Government and the independent Court. Constitutional strengthening of the Parliament envisaged additional guarantees for a greater Parliamentary oversight and transparency. The Reform undertaken also envisaged the replacement of current system of mixed-elections with the proportional election system by 2024. Despite the failure to pass the change of date for the 2020 parliamentary elections to be held on a fully proportional basis, the existing mixed system remains legitimate and the Constitution in place clearly states that fully proportional elections will be held in 2024.

“Free, fair and competitive election is our paramount objective. We are convinced that the consolidation of the public and the political specter, conduct of 2020 Parliamentary election based on the high democratic standard and consistent transition towards the proportional system for the 2024 electoral cycle is necessary for the strengthening and irreversibility of the democracy-building process in Georgia”, - D. Songulashvili remarked.

Speaking of the existing challenges, D. Songulashvili reminded the colleagues of the grave confronts to our security as Russia continues to illegally extend its control over Georgian sovereign territory.

“The European Parliament is a strong support of Georgia’s European integration process and that is reflected in a number of resolutions of the European Parliament. Therefore, the importance of the EU, and more specifically, of the European Parliament, in the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict is decisive. We rely on you and your strong commitment”, - D. Songulashvili stated.

As the Chair of the Committee added, the list of the EU Assistance to Georgia is long and plays a crucial role in the process of its political and economic integration with the EU, as well as with democratization and modernisation of our country. According to him, our Political Commitment to EU is very strong and economic integration is a priority!

He expressed his gratitude towards the EU for their intact support and noted that as part of Europe, Georgia will become part of this fabric of peace and stability, which can only benefit our own people, neighbors and make all of us more secure.

“Georgians look forward to the day when you will share in our mutual prosperity. Today, the world is still facing unprecedented challenges that require strong political resolve. Our vision is clear we see a country that is a force for good and stability in its own neighborhood that lives up to its responsibilities. Let us all walk together toward creating a brighter future for the next generation”, - D. Songulashvili concluded.