The EU cooperates with Georgia in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy and its eastern regional dimension, the Eastern Partnership, with the objective to bring Georgia closer to the EU.

On 3 March 2022, Georgia presented its application for EU membership. On 17 June 2022, the European Commission presented its Opinions on the applications for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova.
Based on the Commission’s Opinion, Georgia was given a European perspective on 23 June 2022 by unanimous agreement between the leaders of all 27 EU Member States.

The Commission’s Opinion outlined twelve priorities  which Georgia needs to address in order to progress on the path to the EU. Member States will take the decision on whether to grant Georgia candidate status when they consider that these priorities have been addressed.

On 22 June 2023 Commissioner Várhelyi provided an oral update to the Council on Georgia’s progress. A more detailed review will form part of the 2023 Enlargement Package reports on the 10 enlargement countries, where Georgia is included for the first time.

EU support to Georgia aims at improving the quality of life of ordinary Georgians in a tangible and visible manner by providing around €85 million to Georgia annually in grant assistance.

EU assistance is based on strict conditionality, and is linked to satisfactory progress in reforms and the respect of the rule of law, effective democratic mechanisms and human rights.

In the medium to long term, the EU continues to work together with Georgian authorities to implement the Economic and Investment Plan (EIP). Under the EIP, the EU will mobilise around €1.2 billion in public and private investments including for six flagships that have been identified together with the Georgian authorities.

1a        Black Sea Connectivity – Improving data connections with the EU

1b        Black Sea Connectivity – Improving energy connections with the EU

2          Transport across the Black Sea – Improving physical connections between Georgia and the EU through feeder/ferry lines and refurbished ports

3          Economic Recovery – Supporting 80,000 SMEs to reap the full benefits of the DCFTA

4          Digital Connectivity for Citizens – High-speed broadband infrastructure for 1,000 rural communities

5          Improved Air Quality – Helping over 1 million people in Tbilisi breathe cleaner air

6          Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings

Factsheets available to download