A Fact-Finding Mission of the joint European Union/Council of Europe Project on “Support to the Georgian Bar Association (GBA)” took place on 11-13 March in Tbilisi, Georgia. Aim of the mission was to identify the latest developments regarding the GBA legislative/institutional framework, in the context of legal profession in Georgia, as well as current needs of key stakeholders and to adjust project activities to these very needs. Within the framework of the mission, the Project manager, Ms. Melodie Sahraie, along with the invited expert, Mr. Rytis Jokubauskas, and Council of Europe Tbilisi Office representatives held meetings with GBA management, governmental and non-governmental institutions, as well as international donor organizations.

Based on the information obtained, Mr. Jokubauskas is planned to draft a needs assessment report, which will further contribute to the preparation of the Project’s Work Plan and further refinement of its goals and activities.  The Project eventually aims to institutionally strengthen the GBA by enhancing the capacity of individual lawyers as well as GBA management. The Project additionally envisages increasing compliance of national legislations and regulations on the mandate and functioning of GBA with European standards.