The Embassy of the Netherlands in Georgia has temporarily suspended the MATRA program, stating that government actions have worsened the situation in the country.
The embassy said the decision was not taken lightly: “This was indeed a difficult decision. In the process of strengthening the rule of law, the Kingdom of the Netherlands has always been and remains a supporter and partner of Georgia.”
The MATRA Rule of Law program, established in 1993, was designed to support democratization in Central and Eastern Europe, later expanding its focus to EU enlargement and the European Neighborhood Policy. Over the years, the program has trained nearly 200 Georgian officials and public servants, including members of the High Council of Justice, contributing to the development of Georgia’s public institutions.
The embassy pointed out the impact of Georgian participation, saying that “Georgian participants played an important role in enhancing the quality of the training program. MATRA program alumni represent an important part of our embassy’s network of contacts.”
However, the temporary suspension is directly tied to what the embassy described as the “deteriorating situation in the country caused by the actions of the Georgian government.” The statement added: “We hope that in the future, along with improvements in the situation, we will once again be able to welcome Georgian participants.”
