Page 101 - SEVEN STEPS for COMPREHENDING the EUROPEAN UNION

100 / SEVEN STEPS FOR COMPREHENDING THE EUROPEAN UNION

THE EUROPEAN UNION – A UNIQUE PLAYER IN THE
GLOBAL POLITICAL ARCHITECTURE

EU Impact

Relations with the EU have always played an important role in shaping
internal agendas and identifying the foreign policy priorities of
countries which are located to the south-east of the European Union.
Up until now, the Union remains probably the most influential political
and economic factor which makes an impact on the development of
these states.
In the case of Georgia, there is probably no sector which falls outside
of the EU-Georgia cooperation framework, be it national legislation,
reforms within the economic sphere, research and education and
international topics, including the restoration of Georgia’s territorial
integrity, etc. In addition, the eventual membership of Georgia in the
Union has become a strategic objective and main priority for the country
and has been stimulating Georgia’s activities since its independence,
both within the country and on the external scene.

Are We Ready to Discuss the EU?

Against such a background, the interest towards the specificities of the
European Union as a global player, a successful economic project, a
defender of high standards of social protection and democracy, among
others, increases in various sectors of Georgian society. Understanding
of the basic principles of the functioning and the administration of the
Union becomes important for students, entrepreneurs, civil servants,
journalists, NGO representatives and politicians.
It is easy to detect a lack of such knowledge among almost all
social and professional groups. Organizing a professional public
discussion and competent professional deliberations on EU-related