Georgia after the Local Elections: First Step towards Self-Governance

On 15 June, Georgia held local elections under new rules. For the first time, mayors of cities and chairpersons of municipalities were elected directly. Local self-government reform has not yet addressed the crucial issue of a financial system for local authorities, but it is a step in the right direction. The success of Georgian self-government reform could establish a model for other Eastern Partnership countries, including Ukraine, which has just started activities in this area. The European Union and its Member States should support Georgia and other EaP countries in the process of decentralisation.