Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia held and led the Executive Government Meeting today. The Cabinet of Ministers considered 21 agenda items at the meeting.

Draft Government Decree on the Adoption of the National Action Plan on Human Rights for 2024-2026 was discussed. Development of the document with engagement of international organizations was coordinated by the Government Administration. The Action Plan is substantially centered on ensuring advanced institutional democracy; equal access to civil, political, social, cultural and economic rights; solidified equality policy and care for the citizens affected by the occupation. By approving the referred document, the Government of Georgia once again confirms its commitment towards protection of human rights and basic freedoms, which in its turn implies a consistent and uninterrupted implementation of a systemic and long-term policy on human rights.

Members of the Government of Georgia also considered a Draft Law, in which every provider of the reproduction services through auxiliary technologies will be obliged to submit information and data on activities related to reproduction in the National Registry. Amendment to the current legislation is aimed at ensuring the traceability of the tissues, cells and embryos used in the process of reproduction through the applicable data and items deployed. Currently, there are 19 organizations providing the reproduction services through auxiliary technologies in Georgia. Amendment to the legislation will be enforced from January 2024. It is worth noting that a National Registry of Reproduction Services will operate in line with the requirements promulgated in the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.

Projects for the development and support of 2 wind and 1 solar power plants were also discussed at the meeting. One out of two wind power plant projects will be carried out in the Imereti region, with an established capacity of 103.5 megawatts and potential generation of 362 million kilowatts/hr. Investments required for the project amounts 130 MLN USD. As for the second wind power plant, which is intended to be built in Kareli Municipality of Shida Kartli region, its established capacity will be 43.4 megawatts, while the generation will potentially reach 148 million kilowatts/hr. It will require 25.25 MLN USD as an investment. In addition, Terjola Municipality of Imereti region will welcome an investment of 4.797 MLN USD for the construction of a solar power plant with a capacity of 7.8 megawatts with a potential generation of 10.295 million kilowatts/hr. Procedures envisaged in the legislation are currently implemented for the feasibility study of all three projects.

Set of legislative amendments to the Code of Administrative Charges and Law of Georgia on Weapons was also discussed and supported at the Executive Government Meeting today. Proposed legislative amendments are aimed at the increased effectiveness of the fight against poaching. The referred Draft Laws are aimed at the definition of rules to regulate the fishing gear and charges applicable to breaches of the duly established rules. Fight against poaching and development of an adequate system of legal charges for malpractices is an integral part of the state policy on the protection and maintenance of biodiversity in the country.

Also, discussion was held on the Draft Law of Georgia on the Creation and Management of the National Park in Guria, according to which a new sanctuary will be created in Chokhatauri and Ozurgeti Municipalities on the land of 15 310 hectares and be branded as a National Park of Guria. State is actively working on the extension and enlargement of natural reserves for the protection of the unique monuments of nature, maintenance of biodiversity and sustainable development of eco-tourism.

Also, at the decision of the Prime Minister of Georgia, January 3-5 of 2024 have been announced as holidays for the public sector employees. The Respective Decree has already been signed by Irakli Garibashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia. Public institutions will define units/staff within their own system of subordination, which will not be covered by the referred Government Decree, if their operation is essential for the normal functioning of the state governance and public life.