Netherlands suspends Georgia’s participation in MATRA programme

The Dutch Embassy in Tbilisi has announced the temporary suspension of Georgia’s involvement in the MATRA programme, citing what it described as a worsening situation in the country linked to actions taken by the Georgian authorities.

“This was indeed a difficult decision. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has always been and remains a supporter and partner of Georgia in the process of strengthening the rule of law," Caliber.Az quotes the Embassy as saying, per Georgian media.

The embassy also highlighted the scale of cooperation under MATRA throughout the years. “Over the years, within the framework of MATRA’s Rule of Law programme, nearly 200 Georgian officials and public servants have participated in the training process, making a significant contribution to strengthening Georgia’s public institutions,” it said.

According to the statement, Georgian participants have also enriched the programme itself: “In turn, Georgian participants have played an important role in enhancing the quality of the training programme. MATRA programme graduates constitute a significant part of our embassy’s contacts.”

Explaining the suspension, the embassy noted: “The temporary suspension of the programme is related to the deteriorating situation in the country, caused by actions taken by the Georgian authorities.”

Looking ahead, Dutch officials expressed hope that Georgia’s involvement can be restored: “We hope that, with the improvement of the situation in the country in the future, we will once again be able to host Georgian participants.”

The MATRA programme, funded by the Netherlands, has long provided training to public servants and government officials from partner countries, with a focus on promoting rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev