2019-2020 Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia for the Implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement

1. Law-making activities of the Parliament, related to the implementation of the Association Agreement;

2. Oversight of the Association Agreement implementation process; and

3. Informing citizens about the Association Agreement and EU integration process. This action plan defines certain activities that will enable these strategic goals to be reached. The action plan includes performance indicators that will allow for an assessment of the quality of perfor- mance of each activity. The presented document will assist the Parliament to better conduct its ac- tivities in the implementation of the Association Agreement, ensuring the involvement of civil society, experts and other interested groups in this process and providing information to the population about the process of Georgia’s approximation with the EU. 10 Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Implementation of the Association Agreement: Legislative Approximation Compliance with the Responsible Activity / Event Other Stakeholders Period Indicator Comment Association Agreement Committees Food Safety7

1. Consideration of Association Agreement, DCFTA, Annex IV, Agrarian Issues Ministry of Environment 2019-2020 Amendments legislative amendments in part 3. Committee Protection and adopted the field of food safety for Agriculture of Georgia purposes of approximation Sector Economy and of Georgian legislation with Economic Policy Ministry of Finance of EU legislation Committee Georgia Committee LEPL National Food Agency on European Integration LEPL Laboratory of Agriculture of Georgia LEPL Revenue Service Veterinary8

2. Consideration of Association Agreement, DCFTA, Annex IV, Agrarian Issues Ministry of Environment 2019-2020 Amendments legislative amendments in part 1. Committee Protection and adopted the field of veterinary for Agriculture of Georgia purposes of approximation Committee of Georgian legislation with on European Ministry of Finance of EU legislation Integration Georgia LEPL National Food Agency LEPL Laboratory of Agriculture of Georgia LEPL Revenue Service 7 The approximation with the EU legislation in the field of food safety in 2019-2020 is mainly envisaged through adoption of sub-legal acts. 8 The approximation with the EU legislation in the field of veterinary in 2019-2020 is mainly envisaged through adoption of sub-legal acts. 11 12 Plant Protection9

3. Consideration of DCFTA, Annex IV, part 2. Sanitary and Agrarian Issues Ministry of Environment 2019-2020 Amendments legislative amendments phytosanitary (SPS) measures. Committee Protection and adopted in the field of plant Agriculture of Georgia protection for purposes Committee of approximation of on European Ministry of Finance of Georgian legislation with EU Integration Georgia legislation LEPL National Food Agency LEPL Laboratory of Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Agriculture of Georgia LEPL Revenue Service Environmental Protection

4. Consideration of draft Directive 2004/35/EC on environmental Environmental Ministry of Environment Spring- Legislative laws on environmental liability with regard to the prevention and Protection and Protection and Autumn package adopted liability, on amendments remedying of environmental damage Natural Recourses Agriculture of Georgia session 2019 to the Law of Georgia on Committee Environmental Protection, on amendments to the Committee Budget Code of Georgia on European and on amendments to the Integration Criminal Code of Georgia

5. Consideration of a draft DCFTA: Article 230 (2) Environmental Ministry of Environment Spring- Law adopted Law on Biodiversity Protection and Protection and Autumn Directive 2009/147/EC on the conservation of Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia session 2019 wild birds Committee LEPL Agency of Protected Directive 92/43/EC on the conservation of Agrarian Issues Areas natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora Committee Committee on European Integration 9 Approximation with EU legislation in the field of plant protection in 2019-2020 is mainly envisaged through adoption of sub-legal acts.

6. Preparation and DCFTA: Article 233 Environmental Ministry of Environment Spring- Code adopted consideration of the Forest Protection and Protection and Autumn Code of Georgia Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia session 2019 Committee LEPL National Forestry Committee Agency on European Integration

7. Implementation of Directive 2000/60/EC on establishing a Environmental Ministry of Environment Periodically Proper reform legislative and institutional framework for Community action in the field Protection and Protection and from 2019; implemented reform of the water sector of water policy Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia no later than Law adopted including consideration of a Committee 2024 draft law on water resources Directive 91/271/EEC concerning urban waste management water treatment Committee on European Directive 98/83/EC on quality of water Integration intended for human consumption Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks Directive 2008/56/EC on establishing a framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy

8. Discussion of draft law Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality Environmental Ministry of Environment Spring- Amendments of on amendments to the Law and cleaner air for Europe Protection and Protection and Autumn the Law adopted of Georgia on Ambient Air Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia session 2019 Protection Directive 2004/107/EC relating to arsenic, Committee cadmium, mercury, nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient air Committee on European Integration

9. Consideration of draft Directive 96/82/EC on the control of major Environmental Ministry of Environment Spring- Law adopted Law on Prevention of accident hazards involving dangerous Protection and Protection and Autumn Large Accidents Caused substances Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia session 2019 by Hazardous Chemical Committee Substances or Chemical DCFTA: Article 230(2) Mixtures Committee Helsinki Convention on European 13 Integration 14

10. Elaboration and review DCFTA: Article 234 Environmental Ministry of Environment Spring- Law elaborated of the draft Law on Fishing Protection and Protection and Autumn and adopted Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia session 2019 Committee Committee on European Integration

11. Consideration of the Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions Environmental Ministry of Environment Periodically Law adopted draft Law on Industrial Protection and Protection and from 2019 to Emissions Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia 2026 Committee Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Committee on European Integration

12. Consideration of draft Directive 2008/98/EC on waste Environmental Government of Georgia Spring session Amendments amendments to the Waste Protection and 2019 adopted Management Code of Natural Resources Ministry of Environment Georgia Committee Protection and Agriculture of Georgia Committee on European Environmental Protection Integration and Natural Resources Committee Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee

13. Consideration of draft Articles 234-238 of the Association Environmental Government of Georgia Spring session Amendments laws on amendments to Agreement Protection and 2019 adopted the Law of Georgia on Natural Resources Ministry of Environment Licenses and Permits, on Committee Protection and amendments to the Law of Agriculture of Georgia Georgia on Fees for the Use Committee of Natural Resources, and on on European Environmental Protection amendments to the Law of Integration and Natural Resources Georgia on Regulatory Fees Committee Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee

14. Elaboration and DCFTA Article 302 Environmental Ministry of Environment Spring session Law adopted consideration of the Law of Protection and Protection and 2020 Georgia on Environmental Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia Protection Committee Committee on European Integration

15. Elaboration and Directive 2006/21/EC on the management of Environmental Ministry of Environment Spring session Law adopted adoption of the Law of waste from extractive industries Protection and Protection and 2020 Georgia on Mining Waste Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia Committee Committee on European Integration Activities Related to the Climate

16. Consideration of the Law Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 on certain Environmental Ministry of Environment Autumn Law adopted of Georgia on Fluorinated fluorinated greenhouse gases Protection and Protection and session 2019 Greenhouse Gases Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia Committee Committee on European Integration

17. Consideration of the Regulation (EC) No 1005/2009 on substances Environmental Ministry of Environment Autumn Amendments draft law on amendments that deplete the ozone layer Protection and Protection and session 2019 adopted to the Law of Georgia on Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia Ambient Air Protection Committee Committee on European Integration 15 16 Energy

18. Elaboration and Association Agreement; Article 300, Annex Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Law elaborated consideration of the Law of XXV, Electricity Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 and adopted Georgia on Energy Committee Article 2 of the Energy Community Treaty United States Agency Committee for International Directive 2009/72/EC concerning common on European Development (USAID) rules for the internal market in electricity Integration EU4Energy Regulation (EC) No 714/2009 on conditions for access to the network for cross-border exchanges in electricity and repealing Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Regulation (EC) No 1228/2003 Regulation (EC) No 715/2009 on conditions for access to the natural gas transmission networks and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1775/2005 Directive 2009/73/EC concerning common rules for the internal market in natural gas Directive 2005/89/EC concerning measures to safeguard security of electricity supply and infrastructure investment

19. Consideration of the Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Law adopted Law of Georgia on Energy performance of buildings Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 Performance of Buildings Committee of Georgia Committee on European Integration Committee on Human Rights Protection and Civil Integration

20. Consideration of the Law Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Law adopted on Energy Efficiency Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 Committee of Georgia Committee on European Integration

21. Consideration of Directive 2010/30/EU on the indication by Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Law adopted the draft Law on Energy labelling and standard product information Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 Labelling of the consumption of energy and other Committee of Georgia resources by energy-related products Committee on European Integration Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee

22. Consideration of the Directive 94/22/EC on the conditions for Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Amendments draft law on amendments granting and using authorizations for the Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 adopted to the Law of Georgia on Oil prospection, exploration and production of Committee of Georgia and Gas hydrocarbons Committee on European Integration

23. Consideration of Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Law adopted legislative amendments on use of energy from renewable sources Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 the production of energy Committee of Georgia from renewable sources and Kingdom of Norway promotion of its use Committee on European Integration

24. Consideration of Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 concerning Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Autumn Amendments legislative amendments measures to safeguard the security of gas Economic Policy Sustainable Development session 2020 adopted related to measures to supply Committee of Georgia safeguard the security of Georgia’s gas supply Directive 2004/67/EC concerning measures to Committee safeguard security of natural gas supply on European Integration 17 18

25. Consideration of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1275/2008 Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments legislative amendments implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted related to introduction of European Parliament and of the Council with Committee of Georgia session 2019- the rules on eco-design regard to eco-design requirements for standby 2020 requirements and off mode electric power consumption of electrical and electronic household and office Committee equipment on European Integration Commission Regulation (EC) No 641/2009 implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to eco-design requirements for glandless standalone circulators and glandless circulators integrated in products Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Commission Regulation (EU) No 1015/2010 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to eco-design requirements for household washing machines Commission Regulation (EC) No 640/2009 implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to eco-design requirements for electric motors Commission Regulation (EC) No 643/2009 implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to eco-design requirements for household refrigerating Commission Regulation (EC) No 642/2009 implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to eco-design requirements for televisions Commission Regulation (EU) No 1016/2010 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to eco-design requirements for household dishwashers Commission Regulation (EC) No 107/2009 implementing Directive 2005/32/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to eco-design requirements for simple set-top boxes

26. Consideration of Regulation (EC) No 106/2008 on a Community Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments legislative amendments energy-efficiency labelling programme for Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted related to the introduction office equipment Committee of Georgia session 2020 of the rules of labelling in compliance with EU Committee standards on European Integration

27. Consideration of Regulation (EC) No 1222/2009 on the labelling Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments legislative amendments on of tyres with respect to fuel efficiency and Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted labelling of tyres other essential parameters Committee of Georgia session 2019 Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Committee Committee on European Integration Transport

28. Consideration of draft Directive 2006/126/EC on driving licenses Sector Economy and Ministry of Internal 2019 Amendments laws on amendments to the Economic Policy Affairs of Georgia adopted Law of Georgia on Traffic, Committee and to the Law of Georgia LEPL Service Agency of on the Fees and Time Limits Committee the Ministry of Internal for Services Provided by on European Affairs of Georgia LEPL Service Agency of the Integration Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia

29. Consideration of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 establishing Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Amendments amendments to the Law of common rules concerning the conditions to Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 adopted Georgia on Auto Transport, be complied with to pursue the occupation of Committee of Georgia to the Law of Georgia on road transport operator Licenses and Permits, and Committee LEPL Land Transport to the Law of Georgia on on European Agency License and Permit Fees Integration 19 20

30. Consideration of Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 on public Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Amendments legislative package of passenger transport services by rail and by Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 adopted amendments to the Railway road Committee of Georgia Code of Georgia Committee Georgian Railway on European Integration Budget and Finance Committee

31. Consideration of Directive 2002/15/EC on the organization Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Amendments legislative amendments of the working time of persons performing Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 adopted Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 related to the organization mobile road transport activities Committee of Georgia of the working time of persons performing mobile Committee LEPL Land Transport road transport activities on European Agency Integration LLC Georgian Railway

32. Consideration of Directive 2006/22/EC concerning social Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring and Amendments legislative amendments legislation relating to road transport activities Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted related to safety conditions Regulation (EU) No 913/2010 concerning a Committee of Georgia sessions 2019 in the field of road and European rail network for competitive freight railway transport in Georgia Committee LEPL Land Transport in compliance with EU Directive 2007/59/EC on the certification of on European Agency legislation train drivers operating locomotives and trains Integration on the railway system in the Community LLC Georgian Railway Human Rights and Directive 2008/68/EC on the inland transport of dangerous goods Civil Integration Committee

33. Consideration of Directive 2008/57/EC on the interoperability of Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring and Amendments legislative amendments the rail system within the Community Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted related to bringing the Committee of Georgia sessions 2020 interoperability of the railway system in line with Committee LLC Georgian Railway European standards on European Integration International Maritime Transport

34. Consideration of draft Regulation (EC) No 392/2009 on the liability Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Amendments law on amendments to the of carriers of passengers by sea in the event of Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 adopted Maritime Code of Georgia accidents Committee of Georgia Committee LEPL Maritime Transport on European Agency Integration Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee

35. Consideration of the Regulation (EC) No 336/2006 on the Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments draft law on amendments to implementation of the International Safety Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted the Code of Administrative Management Code within the Community Committee of Georgia session 2019 Offences of Georgia Committee LEPL Maritime Transport on European Agency Integration

36. Consideration of Directive 2009/45/EC on safety rules and Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments legislative amendments standards for passenger ships Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted related to the Committee of Georgia session 2019 implementation of safety rules for passenger ships Committee LEPL Maritime Transport on European Agency Integration

37. Ensure that the Directive 1999/63/EC concerning the Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments amendments on Agreement on the organization of working Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted organization of working time of seafarers Committee of Georgia session 2019 hours of seafarers are reflected in the legislation Directive 1999/95/EC concerning the Committee LEPL Maritime Transport enforcement of provisions in respect of on European Agency seafarers’ hours of work on board ships calling Integration at Community ports Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee 21 22

38. Consideration of Directive 1999/35/EC on a system of Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments legislative amendments for mandatory surveys for the safe operation of Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted purposes of approximation regular ro-ro ferry and high-speed passenger Committee of Georgia session 2019 with EU legislation in the craft services field of maritime transport Committee LEPL Maritime Transport Directive 2001/96/EC establishing harmonized on European Agency requirements and procedures for the safe Integration loading and unloading of bulk carriers Directive 2000/59/EC on port reception facilities for ship-generated waste and cargo residues Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Directive 2010/65/EU on reporting formalities for ships arriving in and/or departing from ports of the Member States Air Space10

39. Consideration of Association Agreement Annex XXIV - Air Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments legislative amendments for Transport Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted purposes of approximation Committee of Georgia session 2019 with EU legislation in the Common Aviation Area Agreement Annex III field of air space Committee LEPL Civil Aviation on European Agency Integration

40. Consideration of draft Common Aviation Area Agreement Annex III Sector Economy and Government of Georgia Spring session Amendments law on amendments to the Economic Policy 2019 adopted Air Code of Georgia Commission Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 on Committee Ministry of Economy and the continuing airworthiness of aircraft Sustainable Development Committee of Georgia on European Integration LEPL Civil Aviation Agency 10 The timeframe is defined by the Order of the Government of Georgia N2494 dated 26 December 2014. The mentioned timeframe is not defined by the agreement between Georgia and the EU and its Member States on common air space. Consumer Policy

41. Elaboration and Directive 98/6/EC on consumer protection in Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Periodically Law adopted consideration of the Law the indication of the prices of products offered Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019-202 of Georgia on Consumers’ to consumers Committee of Georgia Rights Protection Directive 2009/22/EC on injunctions for the Committee LEPL Competition Agency protection of consumers’ interests on European Integration Directive 2005/29/EC concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices Human Rights and in the internal market (‘Unfair Commercial Practices Directive’) Civil Integration Committee Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 on cooperation between national authorities responsible for the enforcement of consumer protection laws (the Regulation on consumer protection cooperation) Directive 2006/114/EC concerning misleading and comparative advertising Directive 1999/44/EC on certain aspects of the sale of consumer goods and associated guarantees 1999/44/EC Directive 93/13/EEC on unfair terms in consumer contracts Directive 2011/83/EU on consumer rights

42. Consideration of draft Directive (EU) 2015/2302 on package travel Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments law on amendments to the and linked travel arrangements Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn considered Civil Code of Georgia Committee of Georgia session 2019 Directive 2008/122/EC on the protection of consumers in respect of certain aspects of Committee LEPL Competition Agency timeshare, long-term holiday product, resale on European and exchange contracts Integration Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee 23 24

43. Consideration of Directive 2002/65/EC concerning the distance Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments legislative amendments marketing of consumer financial services Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn considered in the field of credit Directive 2008/48/EC on credit agreements for Committee of Georgia session 2019 agreements for consumers consumers and distance marketing of Committee LEPL Competition Agency consumer financial services on European Integration Budget and Finance Committee Human Rights and Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Civil Integration Committee Employment, Social Policy and Equal Opportunities

44. Consideration of draft Directive 2000/43/EC implementing the Legal Issues Ministry of Internally Spring- Amendments law on amendments to the principle of equal treatment between persons Committee Displaced Persons from Autumn adopted Labor Code of Georgia irrespective of racial or ethnic origin the Occupied Territories, session 2019 Sector Economy and Health, Labor and Social Directive 2000/78/EC establishing a general Economic Policy Affairs of Georgia framework for equal treatment in employment Committee and occupation Ministry of Justice of Healthcare and Georgia Social Issues Committee Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee Committee on European Integration

45. Consideration of a Directive 91/533/EEC on an employer’s Healthcare and Ministry of Internally Spring- Amendments legislative package of obligation to inform employees of the Social Issues Displaced Persons from Autumn adopted amendments to the conditions applicable to the contract or Committee the Occupied Territories, session 2019 Labor Code of Georgia, employment relationship Health, Labor and Social amendments to the Law of Committee Affairs of Georgia Georgia on Public Service, Directive 1999/70/EC concerning the on European amendments to the Law of framework agreement on fixed-term work Integration Ministry of Justice of Georgia on Gender Equality, concluded by ETUC, UNICE and CEEP; Georgia amendments to the Law of Human Rights and Georgia on Labor Migration, Directive 97/81/EC concerning the Framework International amendments to the Code of Agreement on part-time work concluded Civil Integration Organizations (ILO, Administrative Offences of by UNICE, CEEP and the ETUC - Annex: Committee Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung) Georgia, and amendments Framework agreement on part-time work; to the Law of Georgia on Sector Economy and European Union Control of Entrepreneurial Directive 2002/14/EC establishing a general Economic Policy Activity framework for informing and consulting Committee employees in the European Community — Joint declaration of the European Parliament, Legal Issues the Council and the Commission on employee Committee representation Directive 2006/54/EC on the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation; Directive 92/85/EEC on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health at work of pregnant workers and workers who have recently given birth or are breastfeeding (tenth individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC); Directive 79/7/EEC on the progressive implementation of the principle of equal treatment for men and women in matters of social security. 25 26

46. Consideration of draft Directive 98/59/EC on the approximation of Healthcare and Ministry of Internally Spring- Amendments law on amendments to the the laws of the Member States relating to Social Issues Displaced Persons from Autumn adopted Labor Code of Georgia collective redundancies Committee the Occupied Territories, session 2019 Health, Labor and Social Directive 2001/23/EC on the approximation of Committee Affairs of Georgia the laws of the Member States relating to the on European safeguarding of employees’ rights in the event Integration Ministry of Justice of of transfers of undertakings, businesses or Georgia parts of undertakings or businesses Human Rights and International Civil Integration Organizations (ILO, Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Committee Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung) Legal Issues Committee

47. Consideration of draft Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on Healthcare and Ministry of Internally Spring- Amendments law on amendments to the the introduction of measures to encourage Social Issues Displaced Persons from Autumn adopted Law of Georgia on Labor improvements in the safety and health of Committee the Occupied Territories, session 2019 Safety workers at work Health, Labor and Social Committee Affairs of Georgia on European Integration International Organizations (ILO, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung) Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee Legal Issues Committee

48. Consideration of draft Directive 91/383/EEC supplementing the Healthcare and Ministry of Internally Spring- Amendments law on amendments to the measures to encourage improvements in the Social Issues Displaced Persons from Autumn adopted Labor Code of Georgia safety and health at work of workers with a Committee the Occupied Territories, session 2020 fixed-duration employment relationship or a Health, Labor and Social temporary employment relationship Committee Affairs of Georgia on European Directive 2003/88/EC concerning certain Integration LEPL Technical and aspects of the organization of working time Construction Supervision Agency Human Rights and Civil Integration Tripartite Commission on Committee Social Partnership Legal Issues Committee

49. Consideration of draft Association Agenda 2017-2020 Healthcare and Ministry of Internally Spring- Law adopted Law on Employment Social Issues Displaced Persons from Autumn Promotion Services Committee the Occupied Territories, session 2019 Health, Labor and Social Sector Economy and Affairs of Georgia Economic Policy Committee Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development Budget and Finance of Georgia Committee Ministry of Finance of Georgia Committee on European Integration Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee Public Health

50. Consideration of draft Directive 2002/98/EC setting standards of Healthcare and Ministry of Internally Spring- Amendments law on amendments to quality and safety for the collection, testing, Social Issues Displaced Persons from Autumn adopted the Law of Georgia on the processing, storage and distribution of human Committee the Occupied Territories, session 2019 Donation of Blood and its blood and blood components Health, Labor and Social Components Committee Affairs of Georgia Directive 2004/33/EC as regards certain on European technical requirements for blood and blood Integration LEPL L. Sakvarelidze components National Center for Disease Control and Human Rights and Directive 2005/62/EC implementing Directive Public Health 2002/98/EC of the European Parliament and of Civil Integration the Council as regards Community standards Committee and specifications relating to a quality system for blood establishments Directive 2005/61/EC implementing Directive 2002/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards traceability requirements and notification of serious adverse reactions and events 27 28

51. Consideration of draft Directive 2004/23/EC on setting standards Healthcare and Ministry of Internally Spring- Amendments law on amendments to the of quality and safety for the donation, Social Issues Displaced Persons from Autumn adopted Law of Georgia on Human procurement, testing, processing, Committee the Occupied Territories, session 2019 Organ Transplants preservation, storage and distribution of Health, Labor and Social human tissues and cells Committee Affairs of Georgia on European Directive 2006/17/EC implementing Directive Integration 2004/23/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council Human Rights and Directive 2006/86/EC implementing Directive Civil Integration 2004/23/EC of the European Parliament Committee and of the Council as regards traceability Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 requirements, notification of serious adverse reactions and events and certain technical requirements for the coding, processing, preservation, storage and distribution of human tissues and cells Directive 2010/53/EU on standards of quality and safety of human organs intended for transplantation

52. Consideration of draft Directive 2001/37/EC on the approximation Healthcare and Ministry of Internally Spring- Amendments law on amendments to the of the laws, regulations and administrative Social Issues Displaced Persons from Autumn adopted Law of Georgia on Tobacco provisions of the Member States concerning Committee the Occupied Territories, session 2020 Control the manufacture, presentation and sale of Health, Labor and Social tobacco products Committee Affairs of Georgia on European Recommendation on the prevention of Integration smoking and on initiatives to improve tobacco control (2003/54/EC) Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee Legal Issues Committee

53. Consideration of draft Directive 93/42/EEC concerning medical Healthcare and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Law adopted Law on Medical Devices devices Social Issues Sustainable Development Autumn Committee of Georgia session 2019 Directive 98/79/EC on in vitro diagnostic medical devices Committee Ministry of Internally on European Displaced Persons from Directive 90/385/EEC on the approximation Integration the Occupied Territories, of the laws of the Member States relating to Health, Labor and Social active implantable medical devices Affairs of Georgia Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee Education

54. Consideration of a Recommendation 98/561/EC on European Education, Science Ministry of Education, Spring- Amendments legislative package of cooperation in quality assurance in higher and Culture Science, Culture and Autumn adopted amendments to the Law of education Committee Sport of Georgia session 2019 Georgia on Development Committee of Quality of Education, Recommendation 2008/C 111/01 on the on European amendments to the Law establishment of the European Qualifications Integration of Georgia on General Framework for lifelong learning Education, amendments Recommendation 2006/962/EEC on key to the Law of Georgia on competences for lifelong learning Higher Education, and amendments to the Law Recommendation 2009/C 155/01 on the of Georgia on Vocational establishment of a European Quality Assurance Education Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training Decision No 2241/2004/EC on a single Community framework for the transparency of qualifications and competences (Europass) Recommendation 2006/143/EC on further European cooperation in quality assurance in higher education 29 30 Accounting and Auditing, and Corporate Governance

55. Consideration of a Directive 2013/34/EU on the annual financial Budget and Finance Ministry of Finance of Spring- Amendments legislative package of statements, consolidated financial statements Committee Georgia Autumn adopted amendments to the Law and related reports of certain types of session 2019 of Georgia on Accounting, undertakings Sector Economy and Service for Accounting, Reporting and Auditing, and Economic Policy Reporting and Auditing amendments to the Law of Committee Supervision Georgia on Entrepreneurs Committee on European Integration Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020

56. Consideration of draft Directive 2007/36/EC on the exercise of certain Budget and Finance Ministry of Finance of Spring- New law Law on Entrepreneurs rights of shareholders in listed companies Committee Georgia Autumn adopted session 2019 Directive 2012/30/EU on the minimal Sector Economy and standards of formation and alteration of Economic Policy capital of the public limited liability companies Committee Directive 2011/35/EU concerning mergers Legal Issues of public limited liability companies on the Committee territory of the EU Directive 82/891/EEC concerning the division Committee of public limited liability companies on European Integration Directive 89/666/EEC concerning disclosure requirements in respect of branches opened in a Member State by certain types of company governed by the law of another State Directive 2009/101/EC on coordination of safeguards which, for the protection of the interests of members and third parties, are required by Member States of companies

57. Consideration of draft Directive 2004/25/EC on takeover bids Budget and Finance Ministry of Finance of Spring session Amendments law on amendments to Committee Georgia 2020 adopted the Law of Georgia on the Securities Market Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Economic Policy Sustainable Development Committee of Georgia Legal Issues Committee Committee on European Integration Rules Related to the Financial Service

58. Consideration of Directive 2002/87/EC on the supplementary Budget and Finance Ministry of Finance of Spring- Law adopted draft Law on Additional supervision of credit institutions, insurance Committee Georgia Autumn Supervision of Financial undertakings and investment firms in a session 2019 Conglomerates financial conglomerate Committee National Bank of Georgia on European Integration LEPL Insurance State Supervision Service of Georgia 31 32

59. Consideration of Directive 2009/103/EC relating to insurance Budget and Finance Ministry of Finance of Spring session Amendments legislative amendments for against civil liability in respect of the use of Committee Georgia 2019-Autumn adopted purposes of approximation motor vehicles, and the enforcement of the session 2020 with EU legislation in the obligation to insure against such liability Sector Economy and National Bank of Georgia field of financial services Economic Policy Regulation (EC) No 924/2009 on cross-border Committee LEPL Insurance State payments in the Community Supervision Service of Committee Georgia Directive 2002/47/EC on financial collateral on European arrangements Integration Directive 98/26/EC on settlement finality in payment and securities settlement systems Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Directive 2009/44/EC amending Directive 98/26/EC on settlement finality in payment and securities settlement systems and Directive 2002/47/EC on financial collateral arrangements as regards linked systems and credit claims Directive 97/9/EC on investor-compensation schemes Directive 2009/138/ on the taking-up and pursuit of the business of Insurance Directive 2009/65/EC on the coordination of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) Directive 2007/16/EC implementing Council Directive 85/611/EEC on the coordination (amendment) of laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities (UCITS) as regards the clarification of certain definitions Directive 91/674/EEC on the annual accounts and consolidated accounts of insurance undertakings Directive 94/19/EC on deposit-guarantee schemes Public Procurement

60. Consideration of Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and 2019 -2020 Amendments legislative amendments for and repealing Directive 2004/18/EC Economic Policy Sustainable Development adopted purposes of approximation Committee of Georgia with EU legislation in the Directive 2014/25/EU on procurement by field of public procurement entities operating in the water, energy, Budget and Finance Ministry of Finance of transport and postal services sectors and Committee Georgia repealing Directive 2004/17/EC Committee Directive 89/665/EEC on the application of on European the dispute consideration procedures related to the supply of goods and state procurement Integration of works, on implementation the relevant regulations (directive on disputes in the field of state procurement) Directive 92/13/EEC coordinating the laws, regulations and administrative provisions relating to the application of Community rules on the procurement procedures of entities operating in the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors (directive on disputes in the field of sectors) Directive 2007/66/EC amending Council Directives 89/665/EEC and 92/13/EEC with regard to improving the effectiveness of review procedures concerning the award of public contracts 33 34 Approximation of Customs Legislation

61. Discussion of the Regulation (EEC) No 2913/92 establishing the Budget and Finance Ministry of Finance of Spring session Code adopted Customs Code of Georgia Community Customs Code Committee Georgia 2019 Regulation (EC) No 1186/2009 setting-up a Agrarian Issues LEPL Revenue Service Community system of reliefs from customs Committee duty Education, Science and Culture Committee Healthcare and Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Social Issues Committee Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee Committee on Legal Issues Committee on European Integration Taxation

62. Consideration of draft Directive 2011/64/EU on the structure and Budget and Finance Ministry of Finance of Spring- Amendments law on amendments to the rates of excise duty applied on manufactured Committee Georgia Autumn adopted Tax Code of Georgia tobacco session 2019 Committee LEPL Revenue Service Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system on European of value added tax Integration Telecommunications Services

63. Consideration of draft Chapter IV of the Association Agreement, Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Amendments law on amendments to the Annex XV-B; Rules defined for the Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 adopted Law of Georgia on Electronic telecommunication services Committee of Georgia Communications Directive 2002/58/EC concerning the Committee Georgian National processing of personal data and the protection on European Communications of privacy in the electronic communications Integration Commission sector Directive 2002/19/EC on access to, and interconnection of, electronic communications networks and associated facilities Directive 2002/21/EC on a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services (Framework Directive), that was amended with the Directive 2009/140/EC Directive 2002/20/EC on the authorization of electronic communications networks and services (Authorization Directive) that was amended with Directive 2009/140/EC

64. Consideration of Directive 2002/22/EC on universal service Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Amendments legislative amendments for and users’ rights relating to electronic Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn adopted purposes of approximation communications networks and services Committee of Georgia session 2019 with EU legislation in the field of telecommunications Committee Georgian National services on European Communications Integration Commission European Bank for Reconstruction and Development 35 36

65. Consideration of draft Chapter IV of the Association Agreement, Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring session Law adopted Law on E-Commerce Annex XV-B Economic Policy Sustainable Development 2019 Committee of Georgia Committee United States Agency on European for International Integration Development (USAID) Rules for Postal and Courier Services

66. Discussion of the Law of Directive 97/67/EC on common rules for Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Spring- Law adopted Georgia on Postal Services the development of the internal market Economic Policy Sustainable Development Autumn of Community postal services and the of Georgia session 2019 Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Committee improvement of quality of service Directive 2002/39/EC on the further opening Legal Issues to competition of Community postal services Committee Directive 2008/6/EC on full accomplishment of the internal market of Community postal Committee services on European Integration Implementation of Association Agreement: Parliamentary Oversight Compliance with Sectorial Activity / Event the Association Other Stakeholders Period Indicator Comment Committees Agreement

1. Hearing of the report on the work Articles 404-406 of the Foreign Relations Ministry of Foreign Annually - within Protocol of of the Association Council Association Agreement Committee Affairs of Georgia two months Committee hearings of holding the are approved; Committee Association recommendations are on European Council developed Integration

2. Hearing of the report on the work Article 407 of the Foreign Relations Ministry of Foreign Annually - within Protocol of of the Association Committee Association Agreement Committee Affairs of Georgia two months Committee hearing is of holding the approved; Committee Association recommendations are on European Council developed Integration

3. Sittings and meetings of the EU- Articles 410 and 411 Committee The Parliamentary Twice a year Statements, protocols Georgia Parliamentary Association of the Association on European Delegation of the of meetings, Committee (PAC) and adoption of Agreement Integration Parliamentary recommendations are joint statements Association Committee developed of the European Parliament

4. Hearing of the report of the Foreign Relations Ministry of Foreign Twice a year Protocol of a hearing Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Committee Affairs of Georgia is approved; on the activities of the Ministry with recommendations are regard to EU integration (including Committee developed participation/engagement of Georgia on European in EU programs and agencies) Integration

5. Hearing the report on the Environmental Ministry of Environment First quarter of Protocol of a hearing fulfilment status of obligations under Protection and Protection and each year is approved; the Association Agreement in the Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia recommendations are field of environmental protection and Committee Hearing of a six- developed activities related to the climate months report Committee on European September- Integration October of each year 37 38

6. Hearing the report on fulfilment Agrarian Issues Ministry of Environment First quarter of Protocol of a hearing status of obligations under the Committee Protection and each year is approved; Association Agreement in the field Agriculture of Georgia recommendations are of food safety, veterinary and plant Committee Hearing of a six- developed protection on European months report Integration September- October of each year

7. Hearing the report on fulfilment Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and First quarter of Protocol of a hearing status of obligations in the field Economic Policy Sustainable Development each year is approved; of energy under the Association Committee of Georgia recommendations are Agreement and Energy Community Hearing of a six- developed Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Treaty Committee months report on European Integration September- October of each year

8. Hearing the report on fulfilment Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and First quarter of Protocol of a hearing status of obligations under the Economic Policy Sustainable Development each year is approved; Association Agreement in the field of Committee of Georgia recommendations are transport Hearing of a six- developed Committee months report on European Integration September- October of each year

9. Hearing the report on fulfilment Healthcare and Ministry of Internally First quarter of Protocol of a hearing status of obligations under the Social Issues Displaced Persons from each year is approved; Association Agreement in the fields of Committee the Occupied Territories, recommendations are consumer protection, employment, Health, Labor and Social Hearing of a six- developed social policy and equal opportunities Committee Affairs of Georgia months report as well as in the field of public health on European Integration September- October of each year

10. Hearing the report on fulfilment Education, Science Ministry of Education, First quarter of Protocol of a hearing status of obligations under the and Culture Science, Culture and each year is approved; Association Agreement in the field of Committee Sport of Georgia recommendations are education Hearing of a six- developed Committee months report on European Integration September- October of each year

11. Hearing the report on fulfilment Legal Issues Ministry of Justice of First quarter of Protocol of status of obligations under the Committee Georgia each year a hearing is Association Agreement on the issues approved; of justice, freedom and security Human Rights and Hearing of a six- recommendations Civil Integration months report are developed Committee September- Committee October of each year on European Integration

12. Hearing the report on fulfilment Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and First quarter of Protocol of status of obligations under the Economic Policy Sustainable Development each year a hearing is Association Agreement related Committee of Georgia approved; to financial services, taxation and Ministry of Finance of Hearing of a six- recommendations corporate governance Budget and Finance Georgia months report are developed Committee September- Committee October of each year on European Integration

13. Hearing the annual report Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy First quarter - Protocol of on Implementation of the Economic Policy and Sustainable annually a hearing is National Action Plan for Deep and Committee Development of approved; Comprehensive Free Trade Area Georgia recommendations Agreement (DCFTA) of the Association Committee are developed Agreement on European Integration 39 40

14. Hearing the report on the Budget and Finance Ministry of Finance of Once a year Protocol of execution of the Budget of Committee Georgia a hearing is Georgia, including with respect to approved; the fulfilment of the Association Committee recommendations Agreement on European are developed Integration

15. Hearing of information on the Committee Government of Georgia 2019-2020 Protocol of state of enforcement of normative on European a hearing is acts based on the Association Integration Line Ministries approved; Agreement recommendations are developed Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020

16. Request for information on Article 409 of the Sector Economy and Ministry of Economy and Receive a report Receipt of meeting decisions made by the Association Association Agreement Economic Policy Sustainable Development within two report subcommittees Committee of Georgia months of holding subcommittees’ meetings

17. Hearing of the report prepared on Environmental Ministry of Environment Annually Protocol of the implementation of the Association Protection and Protection and a hearing is Agreement and communication Natural Resources Agriculture of Georgia approved; strategy relating to EU and NATO Committee recommendations membership Ministry of Internally are developed Agrarian Issues Displaced Persons from Committee the Occupied Territories, Health, Labor and Social Affairs of Georgia Healthcare and Social Issues Ministry of Foreign Committee Affairs of Georgia Human Rights and Ministry of Justice of Civil Integration Georgia Committee Ministry of Foreign Committee Affairs of Georgia on European Integration Foreign Relations Committee

18. Hearing of the report on fulfilment Committee Ministry of Foreign Twice a year Protocol of of obligations relating to visa on European Affairs of Georgia a hearing is liberalization with the Schengen Area Integration approved; countries Ministry of Internal recommendations Foreign Relations Affairs of Georgia are developed Committee Ministry of Justice of Georgia

19. Consideration of the ‘shadow Committee National Platform During spring and Protocol of reports’ prepared by civil society on on European autumn sessions a hearing is the implementation of the Association Integration Other international (prior to hearing approved; Agreement organizations of relevant recommendations Respective Sectorial Government are developed Committees reports)

20. Regular update of the web- Committees Line Ministries Regularly Updates posted on site www.aa.ge regulated by the web portal the Committee on European Cabinet of the Integration Speaker of the Parliament 41 Communication Strategy and Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia on EU Integration Communication strategy The Communication Strategy of the Parliament of Georgia on EU integration (hereinafter, referred to as the Communication Strategy) includes the following key components: ✔ Communication vision ✔ Communication mission ✔ Strategic goals and objectives ✔ Target audience and messages ✔ Communication tools ✔ Communication management Communication vision The vision of the Communication Strategy defines the main objective of the implementation of the action plan. It also outlines the status that the Parliament should achieve, from the perspectives of both internal and external audiences, by the final stage of the strategy. Thus, the vision was officially formulated as follows: By 2020, the Parliament of Georgia should represent an active link in the communication of issues of EU integration, should demonstrate positive changes, and should create an agenda within the information space for the issues related to EU integration. Communication mission The communication mission defines the main function to be fulfilled by the Parliament of Georgia in the information space during activities and communication with various groups on issues relating to EU integration. Accordingly, the following definition of the mission has been provided: In line with its own functions, the communication mission of the Parliament of Georgia on the issues of EU integration is to raise the awareness of a wide audience encompassing different target groups and to unite the efforts of various stakeholders or involved parties to commu- nicate positively to obtain a high level of support among society towards the process. 42 Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Strategic goals and objectives The following strategic goals were defined to achieve the presented vision, as well as for purposes of communication support for the Parliament on European integration issues:

1. Raising awareness about EU integration process and its outcomes

2. Refinement and improvement of communication process management on EU integration issues Target audience and messages For effective implementation of the communication and public relations processes of the Parliament on EU integration issues, it is important that communication is targeted. This will focus on informing, educating and engaging with specific groups. This will, on the one hand, allow for the optimal use of resources and, on the other hand, encourage social discussion and conversations. Therefore, infor- mation will be kept up-to-date and reliable. Target groups Messages/arguments Civil society ✔ The integration process implies the establishment of Georgia as a demo- organizations cratic, economically and socially sustainable European state with strong democratic institutions; ✔ The success of the integration process is in these organizations’ common interests and it is important to unite their efforts in this regard; ✔ Cooperation in terms of informing and educating their beneficiaries will significantly help the process; ✔ The coordination of the process and maximum cooperation of these organizations is necessary to counter Russian propaganda; ✔ Answers can disprove the untruths of such propaganda, and we should spread these together to the population. Representatives of local ✔ Integration with the EU and free trade will be beneficial for residents of self-governments the regions of Georgia, and this needs to be explained clearly to them; ✔ Local self-government reform and strengthening of the regions will mostly depend on properly managed integration process; ✔ They have to confront false information spread by Russian propaganda, and use the local population’s belief in them to achieve this; ✔ As the first point of contact with citizens, the representatives should clearly outline the immediate benefits of European integration: visa-free travel (and relevant conditions); free trade (and relevant conditions); better living environment (environmental protection, waste management, etc.); and encouragement of local initiatives. Youth and school ✔ Effective implementation of the EU integration process is one of the key students factors for the sustainable development of Georgia; ✔ The involvement of youth and students in accurate communication of the EU integration process is vital when informing and educating the older generations; ✔ The youth and students will be able to attain a better education and more diverse experiences as a result of the EU integration. 43 Business organizations ✔ Meeting the requirements of the Association Agreement will, first of all, and farmers affect their activities, so they should be aware of all changes ✔ The regulations and preferences related to the EU integration process should be discussed and agreed with business organizations and farm- ers, hence their engagement in terms of communication is important; ✔ For Georgia, trade has grown steadily, especially in terms of exports to EU countries, in recent years; ✔ Since gaining independence the volume of investments in general from Europe and North America has increased over the years; ✔ Out of the sectors that have developed as a result of western invest- ments, the agriculture sector, heavy industry and the mining industry have all undergone the most notable development; ✔ Various events and forums are carried out by western partners to support us; ✔ Trade statistics are improving with EU and North American countries; ✔ The number of subjects involved in trade, who benefit from trade with EU and North American countries has also increased over the years; and ✔ Dozens of new businesses are created annually with European and North American investment, thereby directly forming a basis for employ- ment growth. International ✔ The support of such organizations is important to ensure accurate com- organizations munication and efficient delivery of benefits of the EU integration process to the population; and ✔ Communication activities shall be coordinated for achieving better results and preventing crisis Media and journalists ✔ Readers and viewers are interested in issues related to EU integration so it is beneficial for media and journalists to cover such issues; ✔ The EU integration process is quite complex and multifaceted, thus re- quiring deep and detailed coverage; ✔ Citizens should see the benefits of EU integration for the country as a whole as well as at the individual level. The media and journalists are best placed to provide explain and convey these benefits; ✔ The most efficient weapon to fight against the establishment of false information spread via Russian propaganda is the full awareness and education of a population that depends on the media and journalists. 44 Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Educational institutions ✔ The participation of educational institutions in accurate communication of EU integration processes and comprehensively informing younger gener- ations is decisive and necessary; ✔ The engagement of teachers and other educational personnel in the process of EU integration communication and proper training thereon is important; ✔ The EU integration process is reflected in every field, including education and the development of educational institutions can be boosted by such a process. Social media opinion ✔ Initiation of public discussions is necessary to present the EU integration leaders process in a positive context for which support from social media opinion leaders is vital; ✔ Human stories can be the most convincing, so social media opinion lead- ers can play a crucial and decisive role here. MPs and office staff ✔ MPs and their staff are the most aware of how hard the Parliament is working to lead the European integration process properly and it is im- portant to deliver this information to others as well; ✔ EU integration represents the cornerstone of the development and prog- ress of Georgia and we should deliver this information to the population. 45 Communication tools It is important to educate the media regarding the EU integration process, which will have long-term and permanent consequences, to ensure correct and deep coverage. The focus should be on the engagement of representatives of national and regional media outlets in various types of educational and informational activities that will provide them with more detailed information about the benefits of the EU integration process. In this regard, it is necessary that the Committee on European Inte- gration conducts informational meetings with media representatives on a regular basis on selected/ actual issues of the European agenda. Furthermore, besides media-tours and seminars, it would be beneficial to involve journalists and other representatives of the media in the decision-making pro- cesses. Communication campaigns and similar activities should also be planned. In the Georgian information space, false stereotypes about EU integration are particularly rife. This problem cannot be solved by unilateral communication, regardless of how reasonable and convinc- ing the argument may be. Indeed, the audience’s reception is limited if it does not participate itself in a variety of discussions and is not allowed to develop its own opinion related to certain issues. Thus, the initiation of public discussion is important to give prominence to the most important (acute) issues, and to provoke the thinking of members of different target groups. This should be carried out through social media networks and various media outlets. Clearly, the internet and local opinion leaders will play key roles in this process. Carrying out campaigns To ensure effective communication about EU integration issues, it is important to use the so-called “campaign approach.” This is particularly helpful when adopting a new legislative amendment or when introducing a new regulation. Ultimately, it is important that such campaigning significantly improves the public processes and contributes to the fulfillment of the obligations of the Association Agreement. For this purpose, the identification of a specific issue, branding, elaboration of a specific activities’ plan, and the implementation of such activities under a single umbrella is necessary. Doing so increases the likelihood, in the overloaded information space, of the population perceiving and remembering key messages. In this regard, it is important to carry out specific campaigns on topics and issues such as environ- mental protection/waste management, protection of labor rights, food and toy safety. During the campaigning, intensive direct communications, especially in the regions, will be important. Communication management Based on the present strategy, a long-term action plan has been prepared, and the Committee on European Integration shall be responsible for its implementation. However, the existing resources for the implementation of this strategy and action plan are not sufficient. Therefore, in the process of the implementation of the strategy by the Committee on European Integration, the capabilities and the efforts of different committees, as well as relevant structural entities (such as the Department of Public Relations and Information), must be unified. 46 Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 To ensure better implementation of regional activities, the Parliament may use local bureaus of ma- joritarian MPs as a resource center for communications on EU integration and as a coordination link for activities to be conducted locally. For this purpose, the representatives of the bureaus must be trained and provided with special information materials and message-boxes. The employees of the bureaus of the majoritarian MPs may be trained together with the representatives of local self-gov- ernments. Assessment reporting procedure Regular monitoring and reporting of the Communication Strategy and Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia on EU Integration is important. Every six months, a detailed report on the implementation of the action plan shall be prepared including the following information: ✔ Activities planned for the given period; ✔ Details of what was done and how over a given period; ✔ Reasons behind any activities failing to be accomplished; ✔ Recommendations for amendments to be made to adequately fulfill the plan and to neutralize any hindrances; and ✔ Any changes needing to be made to the plan. Based on the contents of this report, if necessary, changes should be made both to the strategy and the action plan. An assessment of the effectiveness of the realization of the communication strategy and tasks that should be carried out are outlined below: Strategic Goals / Objectives Performance Indicators Checking Mechanisms SG#1: Raising awareness about ✔ Issues awareness ✔ Sociological survey and the EU integration process and its ✔ Professional media materials targeted research outcomes ✔ Media monitoring ✔ Media education ✔ Conduct thematic campaigns ✔ Celebrate Europe Day SG#2: Refinement of communication ✔ Availability of a permanent ✔ Sociological survey, process management regarding EU system of information ex- internet and media integration issues change monitoring ✔ Systematization of media relations ✔ Availability of a system provid- ✔ Reports of events ✔ Strengthening internet ing access to information ✔ Analysis of statistical and communication ✔ Quantity of novelties and quantitative data ✔ Improving direct communication activities ✔ Study of documentation ✔ Structural organization of the ✔ Availability of an internal and reports process communication and reporting ✔ Refinement of feedback and system analysis mechanism ✔ Level of awareness among employees 47 48 Communication Plan Activity/event Responsible Committee Other Stakeholders Period Indicator Comment Raising awareness of society about the EU integration process and its outcomes

1. A cycle of programs on the Public Committee on European Department of Public 2019-2020 TV programs prepared and With donor support Broadcaster Integration Relations and Information of broadcasted the Parliament

2. A cycle of weekly radio programs in Committee on European Department of Public 2019-2020 Radio programs prepared and With donor support cooperation with the Public Broadcaster Integration Relations and Information of broadcasted the Parliament Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Public Broadcaster

3. Develop a plan for regional meetings Committee on European Regional Policy and Self- 2019 Plan schedule prepared and Integration Government Committee approved Legal Issues Committee

4. Meetings with the representatives of local Committee on European Regional Policy and Self- Once every Meetings are held and covered self-government authorities Integration Government Committee 6 months by media outlets

5. Informational meetings with students Committee on European Education, Science and Once every Meetings are held and covered Integration Culture Committee quarter by media outlets Legal Issues Committee

6. Meetings with ethnic minority representatives Committee on European Regional Policy and Self- Once every 6 Meetings are held and covered Integration Government Committee months by media outlets

7. Holding open lectures at schools Committee on European Education, Science and Once every Meetings are held and covered Integration Culture Committee quarter by media outlets

8. Europe Door to Door — meetings with the Committee on European Ministry of Regional Once every 6 Meetings are held and covered With donor support populations in regions Integration Development and months by media outlets Infrastructure of Georgia

9. Conduct thematic campaigns Committee on European Human Rights and Civil 2019-2020 Campaigns conducted, With donor support Integration Integration Committee including on issues such as technical inspection of Sector Economy and motor vehicles and waste Economic Policy Committee management. Environmental Protection Report produced and Natural Resources Committee Agrarian Issues Committee Healthcare and Social Issues Committee Legal Issues Committee The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia LEPL Information Center on NATO and EU

10. Celebrate Europe Day Committee on European Department of Public Annually on Event carried out With donor support Integration Relations and Information of the Parliament Legal Issues Committee Ministry of Foreign Affairs LEPL Information Center on NATO and EU

11. Organize competitions for students and Committee on European Department of Public February-April, Contests held at schools and With donor support high-school pupils dedicated to the EU integra- Integration Relations and Information of 2019-2020 universities — in Tbilisi and tion theme the Parliament other cities Legal Issues Committee

12. Social media posts by opinion leaders and Committee on European Department of Public March-April, Published social media posts With donor support MPs with a common hashtag Integration Relations and Information of 2019-2020 with common hashtag the Parliament

13. Launch a ‘challenge’ in social networks Committee on European Department of Public April, 2019- “Challenge” shared by users of With donor support Integration Relations and Information of 2020 social networks the Parliament 49 50

14. Organize photo and painting contests Committee on European Legal Issues Committee 2019-2020 Contests held With donor support Integration

15. Hold media contest for regional mass Committee on European Department of Public 2019-2020 Media contest announced and With donor support media representatives Integration Relations and Information of held the Parliament Legal Issues Committee Manage and improve the process of communication of the issues related to EU integration

16. Establish and update a media database Committee on European 2019-2020 Database created Integration

17. Hold media seminars for journalists Committee on European Three times a Media seminars held With donor support Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia of 2019-2020 Integration year

18. Meetings with media Committee on European Twice a year Meetings held With donor support Integration

19. Conduct media monitoring Committee on European Once a month Monitoring report prepared Integration

20. Disseminate press releases Committee on European Twice a week Press releases provided to Integration Department of Public media outlets

21. Create social media presence on various Committee on European Relations and Information of 2019 Special pages have been With donor support platforms (Facebook.com, Twitter.com, You- Integration the Parliament registered and branded on four tube.com, Slideshare.com, Wordpress.com) different social networks

22. Upload updates and posts to the internet Committee on European Twice a week Posted updates on social and social networks Integration networks and the website

23. Photo and video archiving Committee on European Once a month Photo and video materials Integration archived

24. Submit and publish annual report on Committee on European Annually the activities of the Committee on European Integration Integration for the public 2019-2020 Action Plan of the Parliament of Georgia for the Implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement