Mr. Speaker,

Dear members of the Parliament,

Dear representatives of the civil society,

Today, we have a pleasure of attending a joint conference by the Parliament and Georgian National Platform of the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum. Let me recall, that at this historic moment for EU-Georgia relations, members of the Platform, represented by different civil society organisations, have played a key role in the working groups created in Parliament for addressing the 12 priorities. They have also offered their expertise and feedback during parliamentary committee hearings.

As we all know, “ensuring the involvement of civil society in decision-making processes at all levels” is part of the 12 Priorities (Priority 10) which will be assessed by the European Commission in October. We encourage everyone to ensure genuine inclusiveness of all members of the civil society in the reform efforts. I hope this conference will prove to be an important step in that direction.

Let me reiterate that creating and maintaining an enabling environment for civil society organisations is at the core of any democracy. At the same time, every initiative, discrediting campaigning or policy, which could risk a chilling effect on civil society would be inconsistent with EU norms and values. 

This June, the European Commission delivered an oral update to the member states, where Georgia’s progress on addressing the 12 priorities was assessed. The European Commission also delivered a set of recommendations for continuing the work on the outstanding priorities. This included a recommendation that “Georgia needs to resume constructive dialogue with the civil society and implement regular and transparent consultations.”

By the end of this year, Georgia awaits an important decision. Following a report by the European Commission, to be published in October, the heads of states and heads of governments of 27 member states will decide whether to grant Georgia the candidate status. In the remaining time, Georgia should address the outstanding recommendations to be as well-prepared as possible to take advantage of this unique window of opportunity.

I know that this may not be easy. Making compromises, finding a common ground can be difficult.  But it is possible. And I believe, it is possible because the majority of the politicians, and the members of civil society have a common purpose – to help Georgia advance on it European path – a choice supported by the overwhelming majority of Georgia’s population.

This is why we welcome this joint initiative by the Parliament of Georgia and the members of the civil society to hold in-depth discussions over the issues which are important for Georgia’s path to membership in the European Union. We hope these efforts will continue and genuine involvement of the civil society in decision-making processes will be ensured.

I look forward to the constructive dialogue and interesting discussions. Thank you!