Economic Feasibility, General Economic Impact and Implications of a Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Georgia

The aim of this study is to evaluate the economic feasibility and implications of free trade agreement between the EU and Armenia as well as of greater regional integration between Georgia, Armenia and the Black Sea countries. The study uses a mix of qualitative and quantitative analysis along with surveys, sectoral studies and local expert knowledge. Overall, we conclude that a free trade agreement between Armenia and the EU is feasible, but a Simple FTA (abolition of tariffs) would not bring significant economic benefits to Armenia. The real gains could materialize over the medium to long term with a completion of a Deep FTA (abolition of tariffs, significant institutional harmonization and improvement in the business environment). Given the slow progress with the implementation of the ENP Action Plan, serious questions remain as to the institutional capacity of Armenia to undertake steps towards harmonization with EU aquis beyond those indicated in the ENP Action Plan. However, these problems might be eased with technical assistance.