The Chair of the EU Integration Committee, Tamar Khulordava met with the Head of the Eastern Partnership Relations of the European External Action Service, Richard Tibbels, the Head of Political, Press & Information Section of the EU Representation, Asunción Sánchez Ruiz and her Deputy, Mónika Csáki.

The guests asked about the reforming in Georgia in judicial and electoral systems and election of the Supreme Court Judges.

T. Khulordava introduced the information about the judicial reform: “Despite election of the Judges has been subject to the criticism due to political polarization, we shall not abstain from positive assessment of the ongoing events. This is an unprecedented process in Georgia and the Parliament takes high responsibility thereto. All parties concerned, MPs and the civil society are actively engaged in the interviewing process. Besides, every member well realizes own individual responsibility”.

She stressed capacity building of the Parliament, its oversight function effectively guaranteed under the new Rules of Procedure for the first time. She outlined importance of the Committee inquiry for effective enforcement of the law.

The delegation members hailed engagement of various sectors in the legislative changes within the EUAA.

At the meeting, the parties underlined importance of visa liberalization. As noted, every remedy needs to be applied to ensure uninterrupted visa free travel. It requires active participation of the Parliament in creation of the respective legislative frame and provision of the population with information. As the gusts have visited the occupation line, they noted the role of the EUMM at the place and necessity of the EU support.

R. Tibbels asked about the expectations of Georgia within the EaP and the visions about future partnership development, as well as attitude to participation in the EuroNest Belarus Summit.

T. Khulordava noted that Georgia cherishes higher expectations from the EaP than EU intends to offer. The EU shall keep cooperating with the member states and in this regards, she underlined the recent meetings in France and Germany, as well as enhancement of links between the EaP member states and especially economic ties as it facilitates to trade diversification and hence, independence from Russia-related trade bonds.

Speaking about the desired messages, she dwelt on maintenance of the positive political dynamics, increase of financial aid, enhancement of sector cooperation and materialization of the EaP investment action plan.

“The Associate States need the diversified offers and the action plan to further approximate to the EU”, - she stressed.

As to the EuroNest Belarus Summit, Georgial hails participation. The parties hoped the upcoming Summit will help all the parties in formation of clearer plans and provision of sustainability of the EaP policy outcomes.