Gert Jan Koopman, the European Commission Director General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, is set to embark on a visit to the South Caucasus region, including in Georgia, the EU mission in Tbilisi announced on tuesday.
His visit, scheduled from April 30 to May 4, will span Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, aimed at bolstering bilateral ties and fostering regional cooperation through the launch of new initiatives, the mission said. Beginning his tour in Armenia on April 30, Koopman's visit follows the recent high-level EU-US-Armenia meeting and the unveiling of a Resilience and Growth Plan for the nation.
During his time in Armenia, discussions will revolve around enhancing EU-Armenia relations, intensifying sectoral cooperation, and increasing EU investments in the country. Moreover, attention will be directed towards supporting reforms and facilitating the integration of displaced populations. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other government officials, alongside representatives from various sectors, are set to engage in dialogues with . Koopman. The launch of a joint EU-German project aimed at enhancing access to energy efficiency and sustainable energy solutions in rural Armenian communities is also on the agenda.
Transitioning to Georgia on May 1 and 2, Koopman will continue his efforts to fortify EU-Georgia cooperation. Discussions will encompass progress on the nine steps associated with Georgia's EU candidate status. Meetings are scheduled with President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, and key government officials.
Additionally, engagements with representatives from parliamentary parties, civil society, and investment partners are planned. The launch of several EU-funded projects aimed at rehabilitating Georgia's irrigation network, promoting investments in renewable energy generation capacities, and supporting local currency lending for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) will be discussed during his visit.
Concluding his tour in Azerbaijan on May 3 and 4, Koopman will delve into discussions surrounding EU-Azerbaijan cooperation, particularly focusing on regional connectivity and renewable energy initiatives in the lead-up to the COP29 climate change conference, slated to be hosted by Azerbaijan in November. Meetings are scheduled with high-ranking Azerbaijani officials, including government representatives and ministers.
Among the highlights of this leg of the tour is the launch of a Team Europe initiative on mine action, aimed at addressing critical issues such as capacity building, mine risk education, and victim support. Additionally, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB), efforts will be made to improve the financial inclusion of Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) through EU support.