EUJUST THEMIS - Press conference

The European Union (EU) launched on 16 July 2004 an EU Rule of Law Mission to Georgia (EUJUST THEMIS) (Council Joint Action 2004/523/CFSP of 28 June 2004). This was the first Rule of Law mission launched by the EU in the context of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

In the framework of EUJUST THEMIS, senior and highly experienced personnel supported, mentored and advised Ministers, senior officials and appropriate bodies at the level of the central government.

Ms Sylvie Pantz had been appointed Head of the EUJUST THEMIS Mission (PSC Decision of 30/6/2004 ). The Head of Mission reported to SG/HR Javier Solana through the EU Special Representative for the Southern Caucasus, Peter Semneby. He replaced Heikki Talvitie.

EUJUST THEMIS was designed to support the Georgian authorities in addressing urgent challenges in the criminal justice system, assisting the Georgian government in developing a co-ordinated overall approach to the reform process.

The operation achieved its main aims and successfully completed its tasks on 14 July 2005.