The upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit will be a turning point in relations between the EU and its eastern neighbours. Georgia is a leader among the Eastern Partnership member states in implementing reforms; therefore, it has a special role in strengthening this policy, said Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Chairperson of the European Affairs Committee of the Saeima, on Monday, 7 October, at the international parliamentary conference Georgia Before the Vilnius Summit: Role of the Parliament in EU Integration Process held in Tbilisi.

In her address, the Chairperson emphasised the significance of the upcoming Summit and noted that the Eastern Partnership is based on mutual commitment to the rule of law, good governance and human rights; pursuit of these commitments is a step towards membership of the EU. Kalniņa-Lukaševica also indicated that the EU member states expect the Vilnius Summit to produce lasting results, including conclusion of an association agreement with Georgia. “This agreement will contribute to sustainable development and welfare by facilitating dialogue between Georgia and the EU and opening up new cooperation opportunities to European and Georgian entrepreneurs,” said Kalniņa-Lukaševica.

The Chairperson of the Committee also reflected upon Latvia’s accession to the EU. “Our state became a full-fledged EU member state nearly a decade ago. Today, concurrently with discussions on Georgia’s integration into the EU, we talk about closer integration among the EU member states,” said Kalniņa-Lukaševica, by emphasising the role of national parliaments in this process.

Integration is more than political commitment and implementation of reforms; it is also increased public awareness and involvement, said the Chairperson. In emphasising the task of national parliaments to promote dialogue with society, Kalniņa-Lukaševica gave an example of the NGO forum held annually at the Saeima as a tool for facilitating public participation in the work of the legislature.

The Chairperson of the Committee noted that Latvia has always supported Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and wished Georgia success at the Eastern Partnership Summit.