Thursday, July 15, 2021
The Conference: “Beyond Association Agreement and DCFTA - Prospects and Challenges” was held in Tbilisi on 20 June, 2021. The one day conference was designed to inform and update all the participants who had keen interest in EU-Georgia relations, on Georgia’s foreign policy line. The participants heard more from expert speakers and national leaders on Georgia’s EU aspirational prospects. Namely, how to make best practical use of the Association Agreement (AA), Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) and what should be the next steps of Georgia’s integration with the EU. The conference also fostered an open discussion about advantages and disadvantages, also dangers and challenges of Georgia geopolitical choice. The Conference had 2 panels. Each of them were followed by a Q and A session and open discussion. Panel topics were as follows: 1. How to make best use of AA and DCFTA. 2. After AA and DCFTA. What is next? The Conference was well-attended, generated lively discussions and left the participants with better knowledge and understanding of current status of EU‐Georgia relations as well as Georgia’s future prospects for further integrating with the EU.