EU representative on Georgia's strengths and weaknesses
Nicholas Sendrovich, Deputy Head of the European Commission's Directorate General for Good Neighborliness and Negotiations on EU Enlargement, called the independence of the judicial system and political polarization the main challenges of Georgia against the background of the current process of Georgia's application for EU membership.
Speaking on May 12 at a discussion organized by the non-governmental organization "Association of Young Lawyers of Georgia", Sendrovich noted that "the rule of law and the independence of the judicial system are extremely important when deciding whether a country is ready to join the EU."
According to him, the commission, which should prepare an opinion on Georgia's application for membership, is informed "about the problems — let's say – about the politicization of the judicial system and the number of independent bodies."
"What has happened in Georgia over the past few years has not strengthened this independence, but I think the opposite," he said.
According to Sendrovich, when it comes to EU membership, it is important for countries to come to a consensus and make decisions "normally". However, according to him, the current political context in Georgia does not contribute to such normal discussions regarding the EU membership process.
He also noted that "at some stage" the application process will require a certain political choice. "Georgia has the opportunity, and your administration and ministries really have the opportunity to do it, if there is the political will to make this difficult choice," he said.
At the same time, he highlighted some of Georgia's strengths, which, in their opinion, the commission will evaluate – the economy and public administration.
According to the EU representative, Georgia's economy "largely corresponds" to the EU economy, and its public administration "functions quite well", which is the result of a number of reforms.
In this context, he noted that Georgia has "a very active civil society."
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EU representative on Georgia's strengths and weaknesses
Nicholas Sendrovich, Deputy Head of the European Commission's Directorate General for Good Neighborliness and Negotiations on EU Enlargement, called the independence of the judicial system and political polarization the main challenges of Georgia against the background of the current process of Georgia's application for EU membership.
Speaking on May 12 at a discussion organized by the non-governmental organization "Association of Young Lawyers of Georgia", Sendrovich noted that "the rule of law and the independence of the judicial system are extremely important when deciding whether a country is ready to join the EU."
According to him, the commission, which should prepare an opinion on Georgia's application for membership, is informed "about the problems — let's say – about the politicization of the judicial system and the number of independent bodies."
"What has happened in Georgia over the past few years has not strengthened this independence, but I think the opposite," he said.
According to Sendrovich, when it comes to EU membership, it is important for countries to come to a consensus and make decisions "normally". However, according to him, the current political context in Georgia does not contribute to such normal discussions regarding the EU membership process.
He also noted that "at some stage" the application process will require a certain political choice. "Georgia has the opportunity, and your administration and ministries really have the opportunity to do it, if there is the political will to make this difficult choice," he said.
At the same time, he highlighted some of Georgia's strengths, which, in their opinion, the commission will evaluate – the economy and public administration.
According to the EU representative, Georgia's economy "largely corresponds" to the EU economy, and its public administration "functions quite well", which is the result of a number of reforms.
In this context, he noted that Georgia has "a very active civil society."
civil.ge
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