Launch of the Green Agenda project: Georgia’s step towards sustainability and EU integration
Today, with the launch of the Green Agenda for Georgia project, Georgia takes a significant step toward both climate neutrality and European integration. This three-year initiative is in line with the principles of the EU Green Deal, illustrating Georgia’s commitment to aligning its policies with those of the EU in an effort to accelerate the transition to a greener and more sustainable future.
Zviad Barkaia, Deputy Head of the Georgian Government Administration and Erik Illes, Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden to Georgia delivering opening remarks at the Green Agenda project launch in Tbilisi. Photo: Giorgi Bejanishvili
The project is a collaborative effort led by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), together with the Government of Georgia. The project is funded by Sida (the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency).
As part of the launch event, Deputy Head of Administration of Government, Zviad Barkaia, along with the Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, at the European Commission, Virginijus Sinkevičius, and Head of Development Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden, Erik Illes delivered opening remarks outlining their objectives and plans for the project implementation in Georgia. The First Deputy Minister of the Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia - Nino Tandilashvili, and the Deputy Minister of Finance - Ekaterine Guntsadze also addressed the participants.
“Thank you for gathering here today to mark the launch of the Green Agenda Project. I congratulate Georgia for being granted the EU candidacy status by the European Council, a pivotal milestone on the journey to future membership. The Green Agenda project will serve as a hub for joint national and international efforts towards sustainable development, resilience, and prosperity. By adopting sustainable policies and practices, Georgia aligns its policies to European standards to enhance the quality of life for its citizens, opens up new business opportunities and strengthens trade and economic relations with EU member states. Achieving a green future is challenging but with dedication, innovation and active participation of all stakeholders, success is within reach. Therefore, I encourage all those involved in the Green Agenda project to persist in their invaluable work and collaboration, setting an example for others,” said Virginijus Sinkevičius in his welcoming video remark.
“Today marks the launch of the Green Agenda project as we gather here to discuss recent developments and deliberate on future plans, particularly in the context of EU accession. The EU has recognized Georgia's commitment to joining the European family, officially granting candidacy for EU membership. The Government of Georgia is fully prepared to play an active role in and contribute to the Green Agenda project. We have already identified and presented key individuals to participate in the project's implementation and are enthusiastic about commencing this initiative in Georgia,” said Zviad Barkaia, Deputy Head of the Georgian Government Administration.
In his opening remarks, Erik Illes said, “The EU candidate status not only symbolizes Georgia's aspirations for European integration but also presents a new chapter in countries’ cooperation. The journey towards EU integration and sustainable development go hand in hand. By embracing sustainable practices and green technologies, Georgia can not only contribute to the global fight against climate change but also reap economic benefits and improve the well-being of its citizens.”
“The EU candidacy status represents both a benefit and a significant responsibility for Georgia. The environmental protection agenda is highly complex, and the Green Agenda project enables the Georgian Government to address all aspects of the EU Green Deal. Georgia has implemented various policy documents aimed at reducing emissions and attaining climate neutrality. We are prepared to collaborate with the Green Agenda project, working closely to advance Georgia’s green transition and facilitate the implementation of the EU Green Deal,” said Nino Tandilashvili in her remark.
The launch event, which brought together representatives from state authorities, the Embassy of Sweden, SEI and project implementing partners in Georgia, also marked the official start of the project’s National Steering Committee (NSC) in Georgia. The NSC is a decision-making platform overseeing the country’s project activities, ensuring alignment with Georgia’s priorities and promoting synchronization and coherence at a national level.
About the project
The Green Agenda project, active from September 2023 to March 2026, is being implemented in Georgia by CENN, a partner development organization. Addressing various policy areas aligned with the EU Green Deal, the project encompasses areas such as climate change, energy efficiency, sustainable construction, smart mobility, circular economy, pollution reduction, food systems and ecosystem conservation.
The initiative will also undertake a comprehensive assessment of Georgia's green transition to serve as a basis for developing a Roadmap for Climate Neutrality 2050. In addition, the project will deliver awareness-raising activities to foster understanding and support for the roadmap. These activities will aim to engage a wide range of stakeholders and enhance their capacity to effectively contribute to the project's objectives.
Read more: Green Agenda for Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine
Further information and interview requests
Ilona Kazaryan, Senior Communications and Impact Officer, SEI, +46 722 19 96 43, ilona.kazaryan@sei.org
Ulrika Lamberth, Senior Press Officer, SEI, +46 73 801 70 53, ulrika.lamberth@sei.org
Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research and policy organization that tackles environment and development challenges. We connect science and decision-making to develop solutions for a sustainable future for all. Across our eight centres in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, we engage with policy processes, development action and business practice throughout the world. www.sei.org @SEIresearch @SEIclimate
