Georgia, EU sign association deal

Georgia and the European Union (EU) have signed an association deal, a major step towards closer political and economic ties.

The deal was signed in Brussels on 27 June 2014 by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy.

The association deal is a comprehensive agreement that covers a wide range of areas, including trade, political dialogue, justice and home affairs, and energy.

The deal will create a free trade area between Georgia and the EU, and will also provide Georgia with access to EU funding and expertise.

The association deal is a major step forward for Georgia's European integration ambitions. It will bring Georgia closer to the EU in terms of both economic and political ties.

The deal has been welcomed by both Georgia and the EU. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said that the deal was "a historic day for Georgia" and that it would "bring Georgia closer to Europe".

EU Council President Herman Van Rompuy said that the deal was "a testament to the EU's commitment to Georgia's European integration".

The association deal is expected to come into force in 2016.