Since regaining independence in 1991, Georgia has distinguished itself for its autonomous vocation and its willingness to engage with the Euro-Atlantic sphere. Nevertheless, despite a phase of partial détente, its relations with Russia continue to be undermined by an atmosphere of hostility which, rooted in the Soviet past, reached its peak in the war of August 2008. The status of the secessionist republics, the renewed assertiveness of the Kremlin, chronical instability in the region, the ups and downs in the structural reform process and Georgia’s leanings towards the West at a time of deep crisis within the European Union and important changes in Washington make for uncertainty. All this illustrates the importance of cooperation between Tbilisi and Brussels in order to continue building a future of peace and prosperity. This Policy Briefing focused on current trends in Georgian foreign internal affairs, including approximation of standards and legal bases for the Euro-Atlantic integration, visa-free regime and implementation of the Visa Liberalisation Action Plan with the EU, the fight against transnational organised crime and illegal migration, as well as on police cooperation and reform.

Amanda Paul, Senior Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre (EPC), opened the Briefing and welcomed Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Mghebrishvili, who gave an outline of what has been achieved and the key challenges for the future.