Government programme "Towards Building European State" published

The Georgian Parliament on Friday published the Government programme - Towards Building a European State.

The document states that the goal of the Government programme is to stimulate the economy, maintain a stable and safe environment for every citizen, strengthen democratic institutions and take effective steps necessary for Georgia's accession to the European Union.

The efforts of the Georgian Government will be directed to the following key areas:

1. Foreign policy, irreversibility of integration into the European Union, peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict, ensuring security and stable development of the country, public security. The main task of the Government remains Georgia's accession to the European Union and Euro-Atlantic structures, peaceful restoration of the country's territorial integrity, deoccupation, further strengthening of Georgia's regional and global role in order to ensure the further rapid development of the country. Based on the growing challenges of the security environment, the Government's goal, based on the total defense approach, is to raise the level of the country's defense capability and strategic readiness, as well as to strengthen the fight against crime, to protect human rights with a high standard, and to ensure a safe environment. As a result, the Government will be able to create a calm and stable environment for the citizens.

2. Economic Development. The main tasks of the Government's economic policy are to ensure macroeconomic stability, structural improvement of the economy, development of foreign trade and promotion of economic integration of Georgia with the European Union. An integral part of the mentioned goal is the development of tourism, support for agriculture, local investments and entrepreneurial activities, which will create prerequisites for the growth of citizens' prosperity. The Government's goal is to make Georgia a key economic hub at a global and regional level. As a result, it will be possible to increase employment and improve the standard of living of citizens.

3. Social Policy and Human Capital Development. The Government's goal is to improve the state of health of the citizens and ensure universal access to quality health care services. The strong policy of the Government is to strengthen the social protection system in the country and promote employment. At the same time, the development of a quality-driven education system, support of science, technology and innovation, which will contribute to the formation of an even stronger and knowledge-equipped public, remains a priority.

4. Governance. The Government's constant priority is building democratic institutions and the development of the public service system, which also ensures the acceleration of Georgia's full-fledged integration into the European Union. The Government will continue to deliver ever higher standards of services to citizens and implement policies based on real needs and evidence.

The Government programme creates solid foundations for the rapid development of the country in the coming years, both nationally, regionally and globally, and "brings us closer to the historical goal of joining the European Union and serves a better future for each citizen".

"The Government expresses its full readiness, with the involvement of the general public and the support of international partners, to create the European future of Georgia", the document says.

The Government programme and the composition of the Cabinet of Ministers were submitted on Friday to the Georgian Parliament bureau.

The change in the Government composition will affect only the position of the Minister of Defence with Irakli Chikovani, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party, set to replace Juansher Burchuladze. Chikovani will also take the post of the Vice Prime Minister.

The ruling Georgian Dream party on Thursday formally presented Irakli Kobakhidze as its candidate for the position of the Prime Minister.