Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia

Nino Tandilashvili participates in the 10th sitting of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee in the European Parliament

 
Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Mrs. Nino Tandilashvili took part in the 10th sitting of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee in Brussels.

In the course of the sitting, the Deputy Minister spoke about the measures taken by Georgia in the field of environmental protection and climate change and highlighted achieved results. 

It was mentioned, that, in 2021, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the Law on ‘’Environmental Liability’’, which is based on the "polluter pays principle" and serves to eliminate and reduce the damage to the environment, in accordance with the EU best practice.

The sides also emphasized, that the one who caused the damage to the environment would have the obligation to repair this damage and not just pay a monetary penalty or fine.

The participants mentioned measures to improve the air quality, which means, that Georgia will fully embrace European Ambient Air Quality Directives and adopt the European air quality management system.

It was noted that, the development of an integrated water resources management system and transition to a basin management model is a top priority for water sector reform in Georgia. A draft law on water resources management has been prepared in accordance with EU directives and submitted to the Parliament. 
 
The participants discussed a wide range of issues, including,  biodiversity protection, forest governance and development of protected areas; The importance of waste management and the development of the circular economy, fisheries and maritime governance was also underlined at the session.
 Significant steps have been taken by Georgia in relation to climate change, such as the adoption of the NDC, the Climate Change Strategy (2030) and the Action Plan (2021-2023).

The sides underlined the importance of the European Green Deal as well. Considering the fact, that European Green Deal sets out various policy initiatives and ambitious goals for the EU and its Member States, it is very important for Georgia to deepen the dialogue with the EU on the expectations of the EU , on how Georgia can act to achieve the goals set out in the European Green Deal from the perspective of the associated country.
The 10th sitting of the EU-Georgia Parliamentary Association Committee in the European Parliament was attended by members of executive and legislative branches, who made reports on a wide range of   important issues addressing cooperation with the EU.