The EU Foreign Affairs Council took place on 24 April, with the situation in Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova as priority topics.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba addressed the EU ministers via video conference, and briefed them about the latest developments on the ground and Ukraine’s military priorities and needs, especially in terms of ammunition and missiles. 

EU High Representative Josep Borrell highlighted that in total the EU and its member states have already facilitated the delivery to Ukraine of over €13 billion in military support. 

He also updated ministers on EU military support to Ukraine in the context of the three-track plan. On track one, the EU adopted an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility worth €1 billion to address Ukraine’s most immediate needs. EU member states are also finalising work on track two, to facilitate joint procurement. Lastly, the European Commission will soon present concrete proposals on how to ramp up the European defence production capacity under track three.

Ministers were also informed about the activities of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine), which has already exceeded its initial target by training over 16,000 Ukrainian soldiers. The EU aims to train a total of 30,000 soldiers by the end of 2023.

EU Foreign Ministers also held an informal exchange with the Georgian Foreign Minister, Ilia Darchiashvili, and confirmed that Georgia has made significant progress in many key reforms. They also highlighted that rule of law, human rights, media, civil society and independent state institutions are important elements for each country aspiring to join the EU.

Concerning Moldova, the Foreign Affairs Council established a new civilian EU CSDP partnership mission (EUPM Moldova), reached a broad agreement on a new framework for sanctions against those who destabilise the country, and on allocating further €40 million coming from the European Peace Facility to support Moldova’s defence capabilities.

Find out more

Press release

As part of the 77th session of the UN general assembly on 11 October 2022, in New York, Georgia was elected with 178 votes as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the second term, for 2023-2025. Georgia was initially elected as a member of the UN’s intergovernmental body in 2015, for the term covering the years 2016-2018.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia congratulates all the newly elected members of the Council and thanks the UN Member States for supporting Georgia's candidacy.

Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia held and led a regular Interagency Council Meeting for Nation-Wide Development and Reforms at the Government Administration today.

On 23 June, EU leaders meeting in the European Council agreed to grant Ukraine and Moldova EU candidate status.

“A historic moment. Today marks a crucial step on your path towards the EU,” wrote European Council President Charles Michel on Twitter. “Congratulations to Zelenskyy and Maia Sandu and the people of Ukraine and Moldova. Our future is together.” 

At the same time, the Council decided to recognise the European perspective of Georgia,  and, according to Michel, “is ready to grant candidate status once the outstanding priorities are addressed”.

The decision follows the Opinions issued by the European Commission on all three EU accession applications on 17 June.

“I am very pleased with the Leaders’ endorsement of our Opinions,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the press conference following the Council. “Of course, the countries all have homework to do before moving to the next stage of the accession process. But I am convinced that they will all move as swiftly as possible and work as hard as possible to implement the necessary reforms.” She added that the changes needed for the EU accession would primarily benefit the states’ democracies, economies and citizens.

“This decision strengthens us all. It strengthens Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, in the face of Russian imperialism and it strengthens the European Union, because it shows once again to the world that we are united and strong in the face of external threats,” said  Ursula von der Leyen.

In their Conclusions adopted on 23 June, EU leaders said:

• The European Council recognises the European perspective of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. The future of these countries and their citizens lies within the European Union.
• The European Council has decided to grant the status of candidate country to Ukraine and to the Republic of Moldova.
• The Commission is invited to report to the Council on the fulfilment of the conditions specified in the Commission’s opinions on the respective membership applications as part of its regular enlargement package. The Council will decide on further steps once all these conditions are fully met.
• The European Council is ready to grant the status of candidate country to Georgia once the priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion on Georgia’s membership application have been addressed.
• The progress of each country towards the European Union will depend on its own merit in meeting the Copenhagen criteria, taking into consideration the EU’s capacity to absorb new members.

Find out more

Press release

European Council Conclusions

On 24 May, the Council of the European Union adopted the fourth tranche of €500 million under the European Peace Facility (EPF). 

This will allow the EU to further support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, and protect the civilian population against the ongoing Russian military aggression.

This disbursement brings the total amount of support under the EPF to €2 billion.

The scope of the equipment to be provided in the new support package is in line with the current priorities as expressed by the Ukrainian government. A total of €490 million for military equipment are designed to deliver lethal force for defensive purposes, and another €10 million will cover the provision of equipment and supplies, such as personal protective equipment, first aid kits, and fuel.

Find out more

Press release

On 24 March 2020, the UN Human Rights Council adopted the Resolution on Cooperation with Georgia.
The Resolution was presented by the Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia, who spoke about the severe human rights situation in occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions.
Notwithstanding the repeated calls by the Human Rights Council and efforts of the High Commissioner, the Russian Federation -continues to prevent the international human rights monitoring mechanisms from entering both Russian-occupied regions of Georgia.
The Deputy Minister referred to the High Commissioner’s reports vividly depicting the deteriorating humanitarian and human rights situation on the ground, as well as the suffering of the conflict-affected people in both Georgian regions,  the flagrant violations of the fundamental rights and the various forms of discrimination based on ethnic grounds, particularly affecting ethnic Georgians in both Georgian regions. The Deputy Minister underscored the negative impact of the closures of crossing points – in some cases imposed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and  noted that dozens died since the closure of the occupation line in September 2019 due to the refusing and delaying emergency evacuation.
According to the Deputy Minister, the report emphasizes that no one has been held accountable for the cases of arbitrary deprivation of life of ethnic Georgians that occurred between 2014 and 2019 and the lack of accountability therefore continued to contribute to climate of impunity, which could lead to further tensions and violence in both Georgian regions.
Speaking before the Council, Lasha Darsalia emphasized that the recent decision of the power exercising effective control in Tskhinvali region to prolong the illegal detention of Zaza Gakheladze for more than 12 years is yet another alarming example of manipulation with people’s fates.
Alarmingly, the Russian Federation continues to use the humanitarian and human rights issues for its far-reaching goal to put political pressure on the government of Georgia and further destabilize the situation on the ground.
The above-mentioned once again clearly demonstrates the urgent need of access for the OHCHR and other international human rights monitoring mechanisms to both Georgian regions.
The delegations of the EU, UK, Poland and the Czech Republic made statements in support for Georgia calling on the Council members to vote for the Resolution initiated by Georgia.
In the Resolution adopted on 24 March, the UN Human Rights Council reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. The UN Human Rights Council recognizes with appreciation the efforts of the Government of Georgia to strengthen democracy, the rule of law and the promotion and protection of human rights.
The UN Human Rights Council welcomes the cooperation of the Government of Georgia with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as with the special procedures of the Human Rights Council.
The Resolution expresses serious concern over the human rights and humanitarian situation in the occupied regions of Georgia with special emphasis on reported kidnappings, arbitrary detention, interference with property rights, restrictions on access to education in one’s native language, free movement and residence, as well as continued discrimination on the grounds of ethnic origin in both regions.
The Resolution expresses serious concern at the continuous process of installation and advancement of barbed wire fences and different artificial barriers along the occupation line in Abkhazia, Georgia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia and adjacent areas, including during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Resolution expresses serious concern that despite the Secretary-General’s appeal for an immediate global ceasefire, the situation of human rights has further deteriorated in both Georgian regions, particularly owing to growing violations and restrictions on humanitarian access,
The Resolution expresses serious concern also at the negative consequences of the prolonged closure of the so-called crossing points and the increasing restrictions on freedom of movement, particularly the denial of medical evacuations by the authorities exercising effective control in both regions, which has contributed to a number of deaths and the further isolation of the regions, thereby aggravating the humanitarian and socioeconomic situation on the ground which has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Resolution expresses serious concern further at the lack of accountability for unlawful killings of ethnic Georgians committed in the period from 2014 to 2019, which continues to contribute to impunity in both Abkhazia, Georgia and the Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, Georgia.
The Resolution recognizes the importance of the Geneva International Discussions established on the basis of the ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008 as an instrument for addressing security, stability, human rights and humanitarian issues on the ground.
It needs to be highlighted that the Resolution takes note of the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights, which holds Russia accountable for the violation of international law norms and fundamental human rights during the August 2008 war,  as well as for the occupation of and effective control over the Georgian territories.
The Resolution expresses concern that internally displaced persons and refugees continue to be deprived of the right to return to their homes in a safe and dignified manner.
The document expresses serious concern at the repeated denial of access to international and regional monitors, including the United Nations human rights mechanisms, to both Georgian regions and calls on the authorities exercising effective control in those regions to grant them unimpeded access.
The Resolution requests the High Commissioner to present to the Human Rights Council an oral update and a written report on the follow-up to the present resolution.

MFA of Georgia

Current epidemic situation, new confirmed strain of COVID-19, intensive testing and preparation for the vaccination stage were discussed by the Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by Giorgi Gakharia, Prime Minister of Georgia at its regular meeting held today at the Government Administration.

Detailed discussions were held at the Council Meeting on the current epidemic situation in the country. It was noted that volume testing was small in recent days. Detection of new cases was also minor and thus 2 316 confirmations today are related to people contracting the virus prior to the last 3 days.

New strain of COVID-19 was also discussed. One case has been confirmed so far in Georgia. It was noted that its clinical performance is similar to the previously known strain, though community transfer rate of this one is relatively faster and more caution is required on the grounds of information available at this stage.

Performance of the intensive testing as a process was also discussed by the Council, including the additional steps taken for the extension of scope and coverage of systemic target groups to make sure that the process becomes more effective.

Steps made by the Specialized Task Force established with the instructions of the Prime Minister of Georgia for the uninterrupted flow of COVID vaccination process in the country have been discussed at the meeting today as well. It was noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas diplomatic missions of Georgia are engaged in the negotiations held on behalf of the State with international partners and pharmaceutical companies to make sure that first dozes of the COVID vaccine reach the country as early as possible.

It was once again noted that effective enforcement of the imposed restrictions is required, along with all the recommendations that need to be adhered. They include the social distancing and uniform wearing of face masks.

Since the detection of the first case of COVID-19 in Georgia, 232 079 individuals have been proven positive through lab testing, out of which 222 787 individuals recovered and 2 646 died.

Currently 377 individuals are placed in quarantine, 763 - at clinical hotels and 4 012 - at hospitals under medical supervision.

The Inter-Agency Coordination Council led by the Prime Minister of Georgia actively engages the Parliament of Georgia chaired by MP Archil Talakvadze and Administration of the President of Georgia.

Press Service of the Government Administration

Today, on the 6^th of November 2020, the meeting of the Council of the Heads of Governments of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held through videoconferencing.

During the session, the parties discussed a wide spectrum of issues of mutual interest.  The political, economic, cultural-humanitarian aspects of joint activities were considered. The Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R.Meredov vividly expressed the strategic vision of collaboration of Turkmenistan within the Commonwealth of Independent States as an associated member.  

In this regard, it was underlined that Turkmenistan stands for multi-vector cooperation and calls for the unification of efforts for the attainment of concrete results in the social sphere, on the regional economic integration and expansion of transport-transit corridors on the North-South and the East-West directions, as well as for advancement of intercultural dialogue. The importance of the events planned for next year was noted.  The year 2021 was declared as the Year of Architecture and Urban Development in the CIS upon the initiative of the President of Turkmenistan. 

It was also underlined that Turkmenistan completely supports the measures on the mitigation of the negative socio-economic impacts of the global pandemic. In this regard, the initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan on the establishment of effective mechanisms for joint counteraction to the spread of acute infectious diseases were highlighted.  The importance of accelerating the overall cooperation was stressed, especially in the post-pandemic period.     

At the current session of the Council of the Heads of Governments of the Commonwealth of Independent States, the adherence of Turkmenistan to the partnership on interregional and border cooperation was reiterated.  “Turkmenistan stands as a firm advocate of strengthening and widening this segment of partnership,” stated the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R.Meredov.

The key vectors of cooperation for the coming period were reflected in the relevant documents signed upon the results of the session.

On November 6, 2020, a meeting of the Council of Heads of Governments of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in the format of a video conference.

The meeting was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Idayat oglu Asadov, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia M.Grigoryan, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Belarus R. Golovchenko, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan A. Mamin, the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic S. Zhaparov, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova I.Chicu, the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation M. Mishustin, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tajikistan K. Rasulzoda, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan A. Aripov, and Chairman of the Executive Committee - Executive Secretary of CIS S. Lebedev.

The participants of the meeting noted the importance and timeliness of this meeting, and also emphasized the effectiveness of the chairmanship of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the CIS this year.

At the beginning of the meeting, the parties discussed the implementation of the previously reached agreements, as well as considered a wide range of issues of a political, trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian nature. Cooperation to prevent the spread of the new type of coronavirus, practical cooperation in the field of healthcare, as well as overcoming the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic were considered separately.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan R. Meredov confirmed Turkmenistan's commitment to cooperation within the CIS, in particular on the implementation of the Strategy for Economic Development of the Commonwealth for the period up to 2030.

Special emphasis was placed on the development of multilateral transport links, the promotion of sustainable transport and transit corridors along the North-South and East-West lines. The interest of the Turkmen side was also expressed in the development of cooperation in such areas as the agro-industrial complex, mechanical engineering, oil and gas processing, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, and the service sector.

The initiative of the President of Turkmenistan to declare 2021 - the Year of Architecture and Urban Development in the CIS was also highlighted. Thus, in May of this year, at a meeting of the Council of Heads of Governments of the Commonwealth, the Turkmen side signed a Decision on the relevant Action Plan. In this context, the participants of the meeting were informed about the activities planned to be held in Turkmenistan in the field of architecture and urban planning next year.

During the meeting, key vectors of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian line were discussed, including joint projects in the field of science, culture and sports.

According to the results of the meeting, the participants made joint decisions, namely “On the Action Plan for the implementation of the first stage (2021-2025) of the Strategy for the Economic Development of the Commonwealth of Independent States for the period up to 2030”, “On the Concept of Interregional and Border Cooperation of the CIS member states in period until 2030 and the Action Plan for its implementation”, and “On the Plan of Priority Actions in the Field of Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Member States for 2021–2022”.