On February 2, the Parliamentary Bureau of Georgia deliberated on the future composition of the Georgian Government and the Governmental program titled "For Building a European State." 

The program outlines the Georgian government's intention to actively engage with EU institutions and Member States to initiate accession negotiations, building upon implementing nine conditions outlined by the European Commission. Priorities include leveraging the opportunities presented by the Association Agreement and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, ensuring tangible benefits for citizens through integration into the EU single market. Furthermore, the program underscores Georgia's increasing importance in transit and energy routes between Europe and Asia as it integrates with the EU. Sectoral integration aims to enhance participation in EU programs and cooperation with specialized agencies to align legislative and institutional frameworks with EU standards. Enhanced cooperation with the EU in security and defense, mainly focusing on maritime security in the Black Sea, aligns with the priorities of the EU Strategic Compass.

The program reiterated the commitment to "active de-occupation efforts" through the implementation of practical measures outlined in the European Union-brokered ceasefire agreement of August 12, 2008. Key objectives include securing reaffirmation by Russia of non-use-of-force commitments, withdrawal of armed forces from occupied territories, and establishment of international security mechanisms.

Additionally, the program highlighted the development of relations with China following the establishment of strategic cooperation, encompassing trade, people-to-people ties, culture, education, and various sectors. 

EU Ambassador Expresses Readiness for Collaboration with New Georgian Government

On February 2, Pawel Herczynski, the Ambassador of the European Union in Georgia, expressed readiness to collaborate with all governments and Prime Ministers of Georgia, highlighting the European Union's optimism regarding the upcoming leadership changes. 

Herczynski emphasized the EU's positive and successful cooperation with the previous Prime Minister and interim government, expressing hope for a similarly fruitful partnership with the next government under Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. He underscored the promising initial statements made by the newly nominated Prime Minister, indicating a strong commitment to working diligently with the assistance of the European Union to advance Georgia's progress in implementing the nine steps outlined by the European Commission.

Regarding Georgia's official candidacy for EU membership, Herczynski reiterated the significance of the nine steps identified by the European Commission, emphasizing that the pace of implementation rests with Georgia's political elite. He stressed the EU's readiness to expedite the process and move Georgia closer to the next stage, which involves opening accession negotiations. Herczynski emphasized the importance of inclusive collaboration involving all political forces and civil society, regardless of electoral dynamics. He welcomed the opposition's constructive engagement and civil society's full involvement in advancing Georgia's integration efforts.

In conclusion, the Ambassador reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Georgia in implementing the nine steps and expressed optimism about the potential for productive collaboration with the new government under Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.