The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington)
I wish to inform the House that the Government have opted in to the following measures:
Council decision on the signing and provisional application, on behalf of the Union, of a protocol to the partnership and co-operation agreement between the European communities and their member states, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part, on a framework agreement between the European Union and Georgia, on the general principles for the participation of Georgia in Union programmes.
Council decision on the conclusion of a protocol to the partnership and co-operation agreement between the European communities and their member states, of the one part, and Georgia of the other part, on a framework agreement between the European Union and Georgia on the general principles for the participation of Georgia in Union programmes.
The stability, security and prosperity of the south Caucasus region, of which Georgia forms a part, is of strategic importance to the EU. Continued stability in the region helps to deliver the UK’s prosperity and energy security goals. Progress towards EU standards and norms contributes to Georgia’s prospects of becoming a peaceful and prosperous neighbour to the EU. As Georgia adopts the reforms necessary, it becomes an increasingly viable trading partner which shares European values. We therefore support Georgian progress and welcome the fact that Georgia has just initialled its association agreement with deep and comprehensive free trade area with the EU. This is an important landmark.
The Council decisions allow Georgia to participate in European Union programmes and agencies, through its participation in the European neighbourhood policy. This will support Georgia’s integration into EU networks, and will pave the way for further Georgian progress.