Resolution on the elections in Georgia

Ministers discussed the situation in Georgia in the wake of the parliamentary elections of 1 October. The Council adopted the following conclusions:

·        It welcomes the parliamentary elections, and congratulates the Georgian people on this significant step towards the consolidation of democracy in their country, whilst taking note of OSCE-ODIHR’s generally positive preliminary assessment of the conduct of these elections. The Council calls on all Georgian state institutions and political parties to work together constructively during the coming period of transition, with a view to assuring stability, and welcomes the commitments made by representatives of both the incoming and outgoing administrations to an efficient and transparent political transition.

·        It confirms the EU’s engagement, within the Eastern Partnership, to work towards political association and economic integration with Georgia, and reaffirms the EU’s commitment to the shared objective of visa free travel in due course, provided that the conditions for well-managed and secure mobility are in place. The Council acknowledges the European aspirations of Georgia, and recalls the joint statement of the Eastern Partnership Foreign Ministers' meeting of 23 July 2012, which referred to the Roadmap as constituting a basis for guiding the monitoring and further implementation of the Eastern Partnership.

·        The EU stands ready to provide support and advice to the new administration, with a view to maintaining momentum in the negotiations of an Association Agreement, including a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, and in measures taken in the context of the ongoing visa dialogue.

·        The Council stresses the critical importance of both an effective parliamentary opposition and a vibrant civil society to democratic development, and reiterates its intention to continue to support capacity building in these areas.

Lastly, it reiterates its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. The EU looks forward to continued engagement by Georgia in the Geneva International Discussions, and to the pursuit by Georgia of an effective policy in engaging with the breakaway regions. The EU reconfirms its commitment to remain engaged and involved in stabilisation and conflict resolution efforts in Georgia, including by continuing its engagement as co-chair in the Geneva discussions, the efforts of the EUSR, and the continued presence on the ground of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM). The Council calls on Georgia to continue to support the return of an OSCE Mission to Georgia.