European Union promotes regional development and Public Finance Management reform in Georgia

The European Commission adopted on 1 June 2010 the Annual Action Programme 2010 for Georgia, worth €37 million.

The EU support intends to contribute to the reduction in regional disparities within Georgia and to stimulate economic growth and regional development throughout the country. Deeper economic integration of Georgia with the EU internal market will be supported, as well as programmes to increase efficiency of social assistance for vulnerable social groups.

Moreover, the assistance programme will support the ongoing Public Finance Management Reform, among others through establishing a modern framework for debt management and supporting the establishment of evaluation systems of the spending of public finances.

Štefan Füle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy, said: "We encourage the acceleration of the reform efforts in Georgia so that all citizens of Georgia draw concrete benefits from the process of getting closer to the EU, fully enjoying fundamental freedoms, human rights, economic growth and prosperity. I hope that the programme adopted today will contribute to this objective."

Background

The €37 million allocation is provided through the EU's European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI), which is the main source of EU assistance for Georgia and the other 16 partner states along the Eastern border of the EU and the Mediterranean. The aim of this assistance is to promote enhanced cooperation and progressive economic integration between the European Union and its partner countries. Furthermore, the assistance shall also encourage partner countries' efforts aimed at promoting good governance and equitable social and economic development. In addition to ENPI assistance funds, Georgia also receives further support from the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) and other thematic programmes.

Download the Annual Action Programme 2010 for Georgia:

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/work/ap/aap/2010_en.htm

Additional information:

- On EU assistance to Georgia:

http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/where/neighbourhood/country-cooperation/georgia/georgia_en.htm

- On external relations EU-Georgia:

http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/georgia/index_en.htm

- On the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP):

http://ec.europa.eu/world/enp/index_en.htm

- On the Eastern Partnership:

http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/eastern/index_en.htm


Source: European Commission