Last year, when European leaders decided to grant Georgia a European perspective, they also agreed on 12 priorities, 12 issues where Georgia should increase reforms, this is a working progress, and a lot has already been achieved, EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski stated on Thursday.

EU Ambassador to Georgia hopes for much progress on EC’s 12 priorities.

“I want to congratulate the government on many reforms, many decisions that have already been taken, but other decisions are still pending. We sincerely hope to see progress. We hope that as much progress will be achieved on the implementation of the 12 priorities as possible. At the same time, we also need positive and constructive news coming out of Georgia. We need to improve the perception of Georgia within the EU institutions, as well as in the 27 member states. This is our common goal, and on our side, we will try to work together with the Georgian authorities and support the government to create a very positive atmosphere based on the implementation of 12 priorities, as well as based on the allover perception of Georgia,” he added.

In response to the question about the de-oligarchization bill, the ambassador said that the EU expects Georgia will resolve this issue.

“De-oligarchization is one of the 12 priorities, this is priority number five, this priority has been agreed by the 27 EU member states last year at the highest level, at the level of heads of state and government.

This is a problem not only for Georgia but also for many other countries, especially the former Soviet Union countries. The Venice Commission has very clearly stated that the approach chosen by the ruling majority, namely in the Deoligarchization Bill, is not the right approach, there are a lot of risks involved. That is why we would expect a systematic approach, as stated by the Venice Commission. A systems approach means many different things that should be done to strengthen the state institutions of Georgia.

This is about accountability, transparency, financing of political campaigns, financing of elections, freedom of media, reform of justice, and the fight against corruption. So the whole environment should be created not to allow rich people to have an influence on public and political life. We are here to help you with our expertise, experts, and whatever path will be chosen by the political elite in Georgia,” he added.