Ausführliche Sitzungsberichte

Mittwoch, 3. Februar 2016 - Straßburg

8.2. Assoziierungsabkommen EU/Georgien: Verfahren zur Bekämpfung von Umgehungspraktiken (A8-0365/2015 - Gabrielius Landsbergis) (Abstimmung)

- Avant le vote:

  Gabrielius Landsbergis (PPE). – Madam President, Georgia is probably the most advanced in implementing reforms related to the Association Agreement and visa liberalisation. The Georgian population remains strongly supportive of the European course, with 68% willing to join the EU and support the democratic development of the country.

The deep and comprehensive free trade area (DCFTA) is already bringing positive effects to Georgia and, with continuous reforms and standardisation, its exports to the EU will grow. But due to asymmetry in trade, the effects on the EU market will remain minimal. Georgia will gain in terms of job creation, encouraging growth and investment and creating a predictable and liberal business environment.

Such a mechanism has never been used so far, but it provides a safety net – if needed – for EU producers of sensitive agricultural products and for Georgian producers against the fraudulent circumvention of origin requirements by third parties not covered by this Association Agreement.

I thank the shadow-rapporteurs, all the interlocutors and advisers for their work and constructive approach, and I ask your support for this report.