Giorgi Baramidze signed Financing Agreements regarding the European Neighborhood and Partnership Instrument National Indicative Programme 2010 Annual Action Plan

In the framework of EU-Georgia partnership, two Financing Agreements considered by the 2010 Annual Action Plan have been signed, through which the European Union will provide further support to Georgia in the amount of 18.2 million euros. On behalf of the European Commission, the documents were signed by the Director of Directorate “A” of the EuropAid Co-operation Office, Mr. Marcus Cornaro, on behalf of Georgian Government the documents were signed by Vice-Prime Minister, Mr. Giorgi Baramidze on January 24. Head of the EU Delegation to Georgia, H.E Ambassador Philip Dimitrov was present at the signing ceremony.

11 million euros will be allocated as part of the first financing agreement – “Support to the Public Finance Management reform in Georgia.” Of this 10 million euros will be directed to the state budget and 1 million euros will be utilised through technical assistance projects related to budgetary support. This shows the EU’s recognition of the effectiveness, transparency and sustainability of Georgia’s political and financial systems.

The support is the second phase of a similar programme, from which in 2007 Georgia received 16 million euro budgetary support used over three years.

Under the second Financing Agreement – “Twinning and Technical Assistance facility to the EU-Georgia ENP AP Implementation” 7.2 million euros will be allocated. In line with EU standards and in cooperation with EU member states similar institutions will provide support for institutional development of Georgian Governmental agencies.

At the moment two Twinning projects are being implemented for the Ministry of Education and the National Museum of Georgia. Implementation of the Twinning Project for the Civil Aviation Department of the United Transport Administration will start at the end of January 2011. The startup of additional six projects, for different governmental agencies is expected before the end of 2011. 13 projects are currently at different levels of preparation.