“The European Union has announced the allocation of €38 million for projects that will continue to bring tangible benefits to families and local communities across this country. This is part of our ‘EU with You’ approach and a reaffirmation of our commitment to Georgia’s European and democratic future,” stated Nicolas Cendrowicz, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Georgia, commenting on the new funding package for local communities, as reported by Business Press News.
Asked who would benefit most from this assistance, Cendrowicz replied:
“One of the key priorities of this package is supporting farmers, rural residents, and small and medium-sized enterprises. We will pay special attention to women-led businesses and farms. In addition, across the country, in towns and small cities, we will foster skills development and create new opportunities. We are also assisting returnees who wish to reintegrate and rebuild their lives here. Furthermore, significant support will be provided to women and girls to help them realize their potential, including survivors of gender-based violence.”
Nicolas Cendrowicz also noted that the European Union will cooperate with trusted partners, including relevant agencies of EU member states and UN bodies, “to ensure that assistance reaches the people of Georgia as quickly as possible.” He added that citizens will be able to feel the impact of these changes as early as the beginning of next year.
The EU official further emphasized that over more than three decades of cooperation with Georgia, “the European Union has provided the country with more than two billion euros in assistance.”
“Over the past five years alone, we have supported 280,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, helping create 38,000 jobs. Another project we are particularly proud of involves providing drinking water to the town of Khashuri and surrounding municipalities, benefiting 44,000 local residents. It is also worth noting that a significant share of our assistance has been directed toward the East–West Highway; you have likely noticed that, with the support of the European Investment Bank, travel time between Tbilisi and Batumi has been markedly reduced. Furthermore, we will equip the country with ten air quality monitoring stations,” he said.
Responding to a question regarding the core message to the people of Georgia concerning the country’s European future, Nicolas Cendrowicz concluded:
“I know that many in Georgia want to see greater EU engagement, while simultaneously aspiring to contribute what makes this country so unique and distinct to the EU. In reality, there is no contradiction between these two identities. You do not have to choose whether you are Georgian or European. In truth, the people of this country are already both Georgian and European.”
