“This is [an] important investment made in the future generation and in the region as well, as we together provide the opportunity to students to study [the] International Baccalaureate programme, and afterwards enrol in any university in the world,” said the EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, as he welcomed the students in Tbilisi, Georgia.

“Besides the government of Georgia and the New School, I would also like to thank the entire team of UNOPS for the effort and dedication they have put into this project,” he added. 

The EU Commissioner and Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Mikheil Batiashvili, also visited the newly constructed dormitory within the same complex. The student housing was constructed and funded by the New School, while UNOPS provided technical support and oversight of the process. The five-story building comprises 28 apartments for up to 56 students, four apartments for mentors, as well as a games room, study room, kitchen and common areas. The dormitory was built in accordance with Georgian and European standards, including fire safety considerations.  

Through the same project, UNOPS also supported the development of a feasibility study for the establishment of the first European School outside the EU, which will be constructed in Tbilisi, Georgia. The fully-fledged high school will offer students quality education to help increase their employment opportunities and promote a better understanding of the EU and its engagement in the region. 

"This school bears witness to the importance of Georgia-EU relations, and the depth of our developing cooperation and partnership,” said the Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Gakharia, to mark the launch of this project. 

“The school's students will propagate the values poised to strengthen this country and eventually turn it into an organic part of the European Union,” he added.