Fourteen members of European Parliament drafted resolutions on the democratic backsliding in Georgia and the threats to the political pluralism.
The authors of the draft resolution are Urmas Paet, Petras Austrevicius, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstatter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova, Bernard Guetta, Lubica Karvasova, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Zalimas
Renew Group
The full text of the draft resolution is available here:
– taking into account its previous resolutions regarding Georgia
– Having regard to the Association Agreement Between the European Union, the European Atomic Energy Community, and their Member States on the one hand, and Georgia on the other,
– having regard for the conclusions of the European Council of 14 and 15 Dec 2023, and the communication of the Commission of 8 Nov 2023 entitled “2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy” (COM(2023)0690), that outline the steps to Georgia’s candidacy, especially step 9, which concerns the freedom of the civil society
– Considering the statement of the spokesperson of the European External Action Service on 4 September 2024 regarding the legislative package in Georgia on “family values and protection for minors”,
– Having regard to the statement made on 18 September 2024 by Vice-President of Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy regarding the laws adopted by the Georgian parliament on “family values and protection for minors”,
– taking into consideration the opinions adopted or endorsed on various pieces Georgian legislation by the European Commission for Democracy through Law at its 139th Session (21-22 June 2024),
– having regard for Rule 136(2) of their Rules of Procedure
A. The Constitution of Georgia guarantees equality and protection against discrimination for all people.
B. whereas despite widespread protests and requests from the EU and Georgia’s other Western partners the ruling Georgian Dream Party has adopted a Russian inspired bill on the “transparency of external influence” which requires civil society and the media to register as “organisations pursuing an interest of a Foreign Power” or face fines
C. While this legislation limits the ability of civil society and media organizations to operate freely, curtails the freedom of expression, and unfairly stigmatises organizations that deliver clear benefits for the citizens of Georgia
D. In March 2023 a similar proposal in Georgia sparked widespread demonstrations, which led to its withdrawal. Since the proposal’s removal in 2023 the ruling party and the pro-government media has continued to escalate their rhetoric against civil society, journalists, and the media;
E. Whereas on 20 February 2024 the ruling Georgian Dream Party adopted amendments to electoral legislation, putting at risk the independence and impartiality the Central Election Commission, and undermining the public’s trust in this institution.
F. In late August 2024 the oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili asked voters to help the Georgian Dream Party retain a supermajority within the Georgian parliament in order to begin the process of outlawing opposition parties. Georgia’s prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze supported this, who said that the government would attempt to ban over half a dozen political parties following the parliamentary election;
G. Whereas on 17 September 2024 the ruling Georgian Dream Party passed a law titled “Family Values and Protection of Minors”, which strips LGBTIQ+ persons of their rights.
H. Whereas, two days after the introduction to the law on “family values and protection for minors”, Kesaria Abramidze was murdered in her apartment, a prominent transgender public figure;
I. Whereas, previously, the ruling Georgian Dream Party abolished on 4 April 2024 the mandatory gender quotas in Georgia’s electoral code for political parties’ lists and overturned gender-related funding rules laid down in the Law on Political Associations of Citizens, undoing all the progress made in promoting women’s participation and representation in politics;
J. In view of the fact that the Georgian authorities did not act on any of the recommendations of the Venice Commission in relation to the annulment or modification the above mentioned legislation on “transparency of external influence” and on “family values and protection for minors”, the abolition gender quotas at local and parliamentary election, and the formation the Central Election Commission.
K. While the ruling Georgian Dream Party and pro-government media spread anti-EU, anti-democratic and conspiracy theories as well as anti-EU propaganda;
L. the Georgian Dream Party and its leadership continue their divisive, distorted, and violent rhetoric towards political opponents, international partners, and Ukraine. The ruling party uses despicable banners depicting Ukrainian towns destroyed by Russia and thus capitalising on brave Ukrainians’ suffering.
M. While the leaders of the ruling parties praised Sergei Lavrov for his statement that he was willing to help Georgia normalise relations with “the neighbouring… states of Abkhazia & South Ossetia”, demonstrating the Georgian government’s departure from their policy of non-recognition;
N. Whereas in the Commission Communication entitled “2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy”, the Commission recommended that Georgia be granted candidate status on the understanding that Georgia take nine steps. These include combating misinformation and interference against EU and its values; engaging opposition parties and the civil society in governance; ensuring freedom of expression and assembly, as well as consulting the civil society, involving it meaningfully and ensuring civil society can operate free.
O. Whereas on 14 December 2023 the European Council granted Georgia the EU candidate status on the understanding that nine steps outlined in the Commission’s recommendation were taken;
P. while Georgia’s Prime Minster Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia would not impose sanctions against Russia, but will only prevent their circumvention on its territory.
Q. In view of the fact that trade and business between Georgia and Russia have increased in the last two years. More than 100 000 Russians have moved to Georgia and opened more than 26, 000 businesses. They also bought real estate and engaged with activities that increase money laundering risks.
R. In recent months, the United States imposed financial sanctions against Georgian security officials, as well as the leaders of an extreme right-wing party, for suppressing the right to peaceful assembly in Georgia. They also imposed travel restrictions on 60 individuals, including senior officials of the government. The National Bank of Georgia refused to comply with the sanctions.
S. whereas the Georgian parliamentary elections are scheduled for 26 October 2024
1. The Georgian Dream majority strongly condemns the adoption by the government of the so-called “transparency of influence” and “family values and protection for minors” legislation, the abolition gender quotas at local and parliamentary election and the changes made to the Central Election Commission; highlights that this legislation is incompatible and incompatible with EU values and norms, damages Georgia’s image and undermines its efforts towards EU membership;
2. The Georgian Dream majority is urged to withdraw the legislation on ‘transparency and foreign influence’, ‘family values, and protection of minors,’ to reintroduce quotas for gender in local and parliamentary election, and to ensure that a consensus-based process is implemented, which will be crucial for the independence, impartiality, and public trust of the Central Election Commission, and for the public’s confidence in this institution. It also urges the Georgian Dream majorities to implement the other Venice Commission
3. In order to improve the relationship between Georgia and the EU, it is necessary to withdraw the legislation on ‘transparency and foreign influence’ as well as ‘family values and minor protection’.
4. Stands in solidarity for the courageous Georgians who are fighting for their democratic and European rights; reiterates unwavering support to all those who work for a peaceful society and country committed to equality for all and for the protection of human rights;
5. Calls for the EU to freeze funding provided to Georgian government until these illiberal laws are repealed and to place strict conditions on the disbursement any future funding;
6. Reiterates that it is calling on the Commission to assess the impact of Georgia’s legislation regarding ‘transparency and foreign influence’, ‘family values, and protection of minors,’ as well as the removal of gender quotas in its electoral law and other changes, on Georgia’s continual fulfilment of visa liberalisation benchmarks. In particular, the fundamental rights benchmark which is an important component of the EU Visa Liberalisation Policy;
7. Calls on the EU and its Member States impose sanctions against Georgian officials involved in human right violations against Georgians or in the country’s democratic backsliding. Reiterates its call to the Council to consider imposing a personal sanction on BidzinaIvanishvili because of his role in deteriorating the political process and human rights situation in Georgia. Urges Georgian commercial banks implement international sanctions.
8. Reminds Georgian Government of the EU’s grant of candidate status to Georgia on the understanding that it would take the steps outlined in the Commission Communication of 8 November 2023; highlights that the recently passed pieces of legislation are clearly against this goal, and have put Georgia’s EU Integration on hold.
9. Reiterates the call for the Georgian government to maintain its commitment to democracy, rule of law, and human rights and encourages them to adopt and implement the reforms in line with their stated objective of gaining EU membership, as demanded a large majority by Georgia’s citizens.
10. Georgian Dream Party’s use violent images of the Ukraine war to manipulate public opinion and spread disinformation as part of its campaign to win the October 2024 elections. Calls on Georgia to align itself with the EU’s foreign policy, including the EU’s strategy towards Russia.
11. Calls on the EU and its Member States, to provide full support to Georgian Civil Society Organisations in this difficult time, including issues related to fines and burdens imposed by the new legislation.
12. Demands that Georgian authorities ensure that the October 20, 2024 parliamentary election adheres to the highest international standards. This will ensure a transparent, fair and free process that reflects democratic will of people. It also urges an end to the practice of misusing administrative resources and public resources for the benefit of ruling party. It insists on the presence of domestic and international observers to safeguard the integrity and integrity of the elections, and calls for a larger EU election observation mission.
13. Is deeply worried by reports that the Georgian government is creating obstacles for a coalition of 30 NGOs, including Transparency International Georgia, in their efforts to conduct a ‘Go out and Vote” campaign; considers this an attempt to undermine democratic values in the country.
14. Is deeply concerned about the brutality of the police during the protests in Tbilisi between March and June 2024, and calls for the Georgian authorities conduct timely and thorough investigations;
15. Reiterates the call for a long-term, impartial and independent international election observation mission to be led by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in order for Georgia’s upcoming parliament elections to be monitored;
16. Reiterates its appeal to the Georgian authorities for immediate release of former President Mikheil Sakaashvili, and to allow him proper medical treatment abroad.
17. Calls on the EU and its Member states to continue to pay close and constant attention to these issues and to closely monitor the developments in Georgia before and after the country’s October 2024 Parliamentary elections;
18. Instructs the President to forward the resolution to the Vice-President of Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (UEFASP), the Council, to the Commission, to the governments and parliaments of Member States, to the Council of Europe and to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
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