The EU calls for Improving the Justice System in Georgia: Democracy and Dispute Settlement

Abstract

Strengthening democracy is primarily linked with effective and independent judiciary in any jurisdiction. Enhancing the fair and well-functioning judicial system remains the challenge for Georgia, as highlighted recently by the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) Report on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia. It is worth mentioning that Georgia has undergone several rounds of related reforms under different governments varying from the idea of establishment special economic zones with different legal regimes, introduction of commercial and tax courts/chambers or formation of local branch of reputable international arbitration institution. However, irrespective of several attempts in the past, there remains a considerable criticism regarding efficiency and quality of justice in the country and there are still substantial reforms Georgia needs to undertake to achieve truly effective dispute resolution system.
Keywords: EU, Georgia, Judiciary, Arbitration, Reforms