Georgia–EU Trade Relations: The Impact Of The Deep And Comprehensive Free Trade Area On Economic Integration

Abstract

This article examines the trade policy of the European Union within the framework of the Association Agreement, with a focus on the European Union's significant role in Georgia's economic integration. It high-lights the establishment of a comprehensive free trade area, which has paved the way for Georgia to gradually align with three of the European Union's four internal market freedoms: the free movement of goods, services, and capital. The author assesses the advantages and challenges of this agreement for Georgia, particularly in terms of trade liberalization and the harmonization of Georgia's trade-related legislation with European Union standards. The study also evaluates the trade protection mechanisms in the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, the criteria for implementing anti-dumping and anti-subsidy measures, and their potential impact on Georgia's economic development. The final section of the article underscores the World Trade Organization's pivotal role in Georgia's economic transformation, outlining the prerequisites for implementing trade safeguards and comparing the functions and features of the World Trade Organization with those of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area Agreement. The author concludes that by fulfilling its obligations under the Association Agreement, Georgia can enhance its attractiveness to foreign investors, foster state institutional engagement in the transformation process, and achieve successful navigation through this complex economic transition.