The European Commission is making modest but positive steps in its Technical Cooperation reform in a difficult environment in Georgia, according to Philippe Bernhard of the European Union delegation in Tblisi.
The EU delegation in Tblisi has employed a variety of instruments to support its partner, Georgia. Using budget support, technical assistance projects, institutional building projects and thematic line grants, the EU has sought to meet the needs of a transition country still struggling with the consequences of the 2008 conflict with neighbouring Russia.
According to Mr Bernhard, while much work remains, there are also reasons to be encouraged.
“The overall impression is that in the field of Technical Cooperation reform some steps forward have been taken,” said Mr Bernhard. “While much remains to be done, our assessments are encouraging in terms of the willingness expressed by line ministries to show more ownership of the TC process.”
Georgia has not signed up to the Paris Declaration of 2005 on aid effectiveness and the government has not shown any willingness to doing so in the near future.
“The Ministry of Finance which should be leading the process is rather focused on the monitoring of funding flows than on the strategic sectoral management of external aid,” said Mr Bernhard.To watch a video interview with Mr Bernhard, click on the icon below.
Nonetheless, the government and EU have engaged in fruitful dialogue and exchange which has proved to be a positive learning experience for both partners.
“Dialogue is a process that can always be improved, deepened and made more efficient,” said Mr Bernhard. “And I do think that the EU has seriously taken up the task of implementing the Backbone Strategy in Georgia.”
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