On 10-12 July 2012 the 9th International Conference "Georgia's European Way - The EU and Its European Neighbours" will be held in Batumi at the highest level of representation from the EU and the Eastern European neighbourhood.

The Presidents of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of Moldova as well as ministries and other high representatives of governments, parliaments, business and civil society from Georgia, the EU and the Eastern Partnership Countries are invited to take part in the Conference.

The Conference will discuss the challenges and prospects of the European integration process including political and social reforms, democratic transformation, economic development and regional security. The debates will also focus on the progress in the implementation of Georgia's European integration agenda. Four thematic sessions will be dedicated to: Democratic Reforms and the Rule of Law, Challenges of Global Security, Opportunities of Economic Integration with the EU, and Facilitation of People-to-People contacts.

Session I - Democratic Reforms and the Rule of Law will discuss the importance of the success of democracy in the Eastern Europe and challenges of democratic transformation alongside the issues of free and fair elections as a key for democratic development. The participants will also draw attention to the importance of the freedom of media and role of civil society.

Session II - Challenges of Global Security will emphasize on importance of security and stability for European integration, democratic development and economic prosperity in Eastern Europe. The EU's essential role in promoting security and stability in its Eastern neighborhood will be the main topics of discussion within the session.

Session III - Opportunities of Economic Integration with the EU will attract participants' attention to the prospects of economic cooperation between the EU, Eastern European and Black Sea regions and economic modernisation through gradual European integration. The participants will discuss the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area as a facilitator of Economic development, the challenges of European integration-related reforms and the importance of attraction of FDI. Particular attention will be paid to the issues of advancing energy security of Europe.

Session IV - Facilitation of People-to-People contacts as a catalyst for European integration will consider culture, education and science as a bridge between the nations. The session will discuss the importance of people-to-people contacts for the solution of conflicts and significance of freedom of movement of people as a necessary precondition for deepening the integration of societies.

The Application Form for journalists is available on the following link:

http://mfa.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=ENG&sec_id=68

Applicants for accreditation shall submit the following documents on the following E-mail:

inform@mfa.gov.ge

Accreditation cards shall be issued at the press-centre of Sheraton Hotel, Batumi, on 10th of July from 12:00 to 18:00 and on 11th of July from 09:00.

The International Conference is organised by the Office of the State Minister of Georgia on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

As an additional information, please note that the first European People's Party (EPP) Eastern Partnership Summit, at the level of the Heads of State and Government of the Eastern Partnership countries, will take place in Batumi the day before the Conference.