EU-Georgia: Financial support to strengthen democratic institutions. -European Commission, Press release

EU-Georgia: Financial support to strengthen democratic institutions

Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle signed two financing agreements in Tbilisi on Tuesday to support public finances reform in Georgia and to strengthen the role and capacities of the Parliament.

The financing agreement to support Georgia’s reform of public finance policy is worth €21m and will contribute to good governance and further strengthen government services' delivery and the accountability of the public sector. It will promote transparency, while increasing efficiency and effectiveness of planning and governmental spending.

"It is important for me not only to come and talk about significance of consolidating democratic institutions and strengthening the inclusivity of the reform process but also to support it with concrete help. This program creates a new mechanism to allow the Parliament to make recommendations on the state budget. Civil society will be informed and consulted. All this should ultimately lead to better management of public spending and accountability towards the Georgian citizens," Commissioner Füle said.

This third wave of EU support to the Georgian Public Finance Management builds on two successful previous programmes totalling €26 million. For the first time, this new programme will not only involve the Ministry of Finance, but also work with the Parliament and the State Audit Office, thus increasing accountability.

The financing agreement to strengthen the system of parliamentary democracy in Georgia is worth €1,5m and will help the Parliament to develop new capacities in the system of government oversight, strengthen its policy making capacity and enhance its role in the European integration process.

Parliamentary leadership, as well as parliamentary commissions will be helped to perform policy-making and oversight function more effectively. Parliamentary committees, including Human Rights, Agriculture, Environment, Health and Social Affairs will be coached to improve their budgetary and audit oversight.

Commissioner Füle said, "This is a clear expression of our interest in strengthening the democracy in Georgia. To have strong, capable parliament is very important, particularly when we are witnessing challenging times with some neighbours acting in complete disregard of international laws and norms."

 http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-211_en.htm?locale=en

4/3/14

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