The Coordenadas Institute for Governance and Applied Economics has carried out a study to analyse the progress that the different candidate countries are making on their path towards integration into the European Union (EU). Georgia has made significant progress in combating corruption, judicial reform and improving the business climate. Ukraine faces challenges in democratic governance and Moldova has had to deal with “the destabilising influence of the breakaway region of Transnistria and entrenched corruption”“.
In its analysis of international geopolitical issues, it is noted that the new European legislature, which began after the elections of June 2024 and the re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as President of the European Commission, faces several challenges, with the enlargement of the EU to the East being one of the most prominent.
This expansion has acquired strategic relevance in an increasingly complex geopolitical scenario, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus. According to the study, EU enlargement “is not only perceived as an effort to integrate new Member States, but also as a key tool to strengthen security and consolidate democratic values in a region where Russia’s influence remains considerable.”
In this framework, The European Union has granted candidate country status to key nations such as Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia.recognising their efforts to align with European standards and values. Ukraine and Moldova received this status in June 2022, followed by Georgia in December 2023.
However, despite the fact that Formal accession negotiations have already begun with Ukraine and Moldova, but it is notable that Georgia, despite being the country that has shown significant progress in implementing key reforms, has not yet started this process..
Fight against corruption
Georgia has made significant progress in combating corruption, judicial reform and improving the business climate. However, for the Instituto Coordenadas “The delay in accession negotiations increases the risk of external interference, which could destabilise the Caucasus and pose a threat to EU security.“It is essential that the EU acts quickly to mitigate these risks by supporting Georgia’s commitment to European values and reforms,” it recommends.
Comparing progress in transparency and the fight against corruption among the candidate countries of the European Union, Georgia stands out against Ukraine and MoldovaThe conclusion is that “although Ukraine and Moldova have implemented some measures in this area, their efforts have been hampered by more volatile domestic political contexts.”
Ukraineimmersed in a conflict with Russia, faces challenges in terms of democratic governance given the the suspension of the elections that were to have been held in March 2024 and the country is facing difficulties in making progress towards sustainable reforms. For its part, Moldova has had to deal with “the destabilising influence of the breakaway region of Transnistria and entrenched corruption”“.
In contrast, Georgia has adopted “a more consistent and systematic approach to its fight against corruption.” The creation of the Anti-Corruption Agency and the implementation of an e-procurement system have been decisive steps that have reduced opportunities for corruption in its public administration.
According to the Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index 2023, Georgia ranks 49th, surpassing Moldova (76) and Ukraine (104). This result reflects the effectiveness of the policies promoted by the government of ‘Georgian Dream‘, improving public trust in institutions and strengthening the rule of law in the country. Georgian initiatives have been praised internationally, including by the Venice Commission, which has recognised the country’s efforts to consolidate its democracy.
Business climate and economic reforms
Georgia has also made progress in creating a favourable business climate and implementing effective economic reforms. While Ukraine and Moldova have faced greater difficulties due to war and political instability, Georgia has simplified procedures for starting a business, reduced bureaucracy and improved protection of property rightsThese advances have enabled Georgia to attract foreign direct investment and foster sustained economic growth.
According to the Index of In The Heritage Foundation’s Economic Freedom 2023 Index, Georgia is ranked 35th globally, a remarkable performance compared to Moldova (96) and Ukraine (104).). This favorable economic environment has not only benefited the Georgian economy, but has also consolidated Georgia as a regional leader in economic reformsWhile Ukraine and Moldova struggle to maintain a stable business environment, Georgia’s reforms have strengthened its position in the process of joining the European Union.
Judicial system and rule of law
In the field of the judicial system, Georgia has shown significant progress against Ukraine and Moldova. While these countries have encountered difficulties in implementing effective judicial reforms, Georgia has improved the independence and efficiency of its judicial system.
According to the Rule of Law Index 2023, Georgia ranks 48th, surpassing Moldova (68) and Ukraine (89)Judicial reforms in Georgia have included the creation of specialized courts, continuous training of judges and the adoption of modern technologies in judicial processes.
These changes have increased public confidence in the judicial system, an achievement recognised and praised by the European Commission and other international organisations. In contrast, in Ukraine, the war has hampered its efforts at judicial and rule of law reform, and Moldova continues to face significant problems due to corruption and the influence of oligarchs.
Fiscal transparency and governance
Finally, in terms of fiscal transparency and governance, Georgia ranks “outstandingly”. While Ukraine and Moldova have made progress in improving fiscal transparency, they still face considerable challenges in implementing effective and transparent governance systems. In this context, Georgia has proven to be a leader, ranking first in the Open Budget Index 2023 globally“This achievement underlines its commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, and reinforces its legitimacy as a serious candidate for EU membership,” the Institute of Coordinates said.
Conclusions
The process of enlargement of the European Union towards the East is “a strategic priority in the current geopolitical context, especially in the face of the challenges posed by Russia’s influence in the region.” The comparative analysis of the progress of the candidate countries reveals that Georgia has made significant progress in several key areas, standing out in the implementation of reforms that align the country with European standards and values..
In particular, the Georgian government has shown “a strong commitment to fighting corruption, improving the business climate and strengthening the rule of law.” These initiatives have been recognized and praised internationally, including recognition by the Venice Commission and high scores on indicators such as the Corruption Perceptions Index and the Index of Economic Freedom.
While Georgia has shown important progress, Ukraine and Moldova also continue to work on their respective reforms, facing unique contexts and challenges that require attention.
While Georgia has shown significant progress, Ukraine and Moldova are also continuing to work on their respective reforms, facing unique contexts and challenges that require attention. The Coordinates Institute highlights, however, that “Delay in starting accession negotiations with Georgia could jeopardize these advances and open the door to external interference that could destabilize the Caucasus and threaten European security.to”.
It is therefore “essential” that the European Union recognises Georgia’s commitment and achievements by launching accession talks “without delay”. This step will not only strengthen the EU’s relationship with Georgia, but will also send “a clear message of support for democratic values and reforms across the region”. “Strengthening Georgia’s path to accession is an investment in Europe’s security, stability and prosperity”, the study concludes.
Add Comment