EU and Germany Launch Euro9.5 million National Program in Georgia

By Khatia Bzhalava

Friday, March 25, 2022

The EU has allocated Euro8.5 million for the program, while Euro1 million has been allocated by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

The program covers four Georgian regions - Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, Racha-Lechkhumi, and Kvemo Svaneti.

The European Union (EU) and the German Government have launched a program supporting Georgia’s sustainable and inclusive growth, balanced territorial development, and good governance. According to the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, the program is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in close partnership with the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure and local authorities.

The project worth Euro9.5 million aims at overcoming inequality and accomplishing ‘social cohesion’ through the development of urban renewal and social inclusion in the country. Set to run between 2022-2025, the ‘Integrated Territorial Development’ program will cover four Georgian regions - Guria, Imereti, Kakheti, and Racha-Lechkhumi, and Kvemo Svaneti.

As Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Mzia Giorgobiani notes, the project will help overcome social and territorial disparities in Georgia, foster economic development, and create equal opportunities “through inclusive, smart and sustainable socio-economic means”.

Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia Carl Hartzell noted that territorial development is key to urban and rural transformation, adding that the project would help the country to boost local democracy through inclusive participation.

“The EU is very happy to assist Georgia to introduce and explore this modern approach and shape lasting solutions to the complex challenges faced by the country’s regions”, Ambassador Hartzell said.

According to Hubert Knirsch, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Georgia, the project would enable local small and medium-sized enterprises to bring their products both to Georgian and international markets.

As Nick Beresford, the UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia notes, through the partnership with the European Union, they can create new opportunities for local communities, improve livelihoods and reduce rural poverty.

The Integrated Territorial Development program additionally supports the implementation of the Pilot Integrated Regional Development Programme (PIRDP), approved by the Georgian Government in 2019 and co-financed by the European Union.