Georgia, located in a complex geopolitical context, has a wealth of experience in its long-running struggle for freedom, self-determination, values and dignity. This is especially true since it gained independence 30 years ago from the last colonial occupation by a neighboring empire. Georgia began its journey to a democratic, prosperous, and – most importantly – European future. Our countries – Germany France and Poland, as well as Belgium Czechia, Denmark Estonia, Finland Latvia, Lithuania Luxembourg, Portugal, and Sweden – have been strong supporters for Georgia on this journey from the beginning. We now share their concern and demand that the upcoming election is free and fair. The Georgian people has achieved a great deal in the last few decades. Georgia’s application to join the EU in March 2022 is a historic milestone in this journey.
Our current concern is therefore all the more grave. Our concern for the future of Georgia as a European country is what makes us write this. As friends of Georgia, and as Ministers of European Affairs in our respective countries, we feel compelled to remind the EU of its position on Georgia as well as correct misperceptions or mischaracterizations of Georgia’s European ambitions.
Georgia was granted candidate-status in December 2023 on the condition that Georgian authorities follow the recommendations of the European Commission. Georgia has passed a number of laws that are incompatible with the acquis of the EU, including the “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence”. These decisions have caused the EU integration of your country to be put on hold. As long as the current political course continues, this will continue to be the case. The European Council, which represents the Heads and Governments of the 27 EU member states, concluded this on 27th June 2024. The developments in Georgia had led to a defacto halt to Georgia’s EU accession process. It is clear that Georgia will not be able to join the EU if Georgian officials do not change their course. It is either delusional, or outright dishonest, to downplay or interpret this clear decision any other way.
The European Union did not make this decision lightly. It was preceded by several months of serious engagement and discussion. To no avail so far. It is important to realize that the EU is more than just an economic, security, or trade union. The EU is more of a family, a group of nations who share the same values. It is a legal union that shares a body law. It is therefore only logical that EU membership is conditional on acceptance of European values, and the implementation of its legal standards.
The “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence”, both in spirit as well as in content, is not in line the core values and norms of the EU. It undermines Georgian citizens’ fundamental rights, which are at core of Georgian commitments to the EU as part of its accession path. The law was rushed by the Georgian parliament despite weeks worth of protests, a veto from the President, and unambiguous criticisms from Georgia’s partners. Unfortunately, Georgia’s EU and Council of Europe path has been further obstructed by additional laws that are incompatible. This includes the recent legislative package that restricts the rights of LGBTQI individuals.
Georgian politicians have also launched a campaign of propaganda, defamation, and disinformation against their Western partners. The EU and its Member State representatives have been insulted and falsely accused of coup and murder plans against Georgian government officials, of sinister motives in dragging Georgia into wars, and more.
Let us be clear. We are eager to have you join our European family as an EU member. Georgia is a democratic, pluralistic, and European country with a multifaceted political scene. It also has a vibrant civil-society and a diverse media landscape. Georgia was granted candidate status for 2023. The door is always open and will continue to be so. The European Council has reiterated its unwavering solidarity with the Georgians and its willingness to continue supporting them on their path to a European future.
Let’s be clear: we expect the Georgian authorities guarantee free and fair election. Georgians should be able choose the future they want for themselves, their children and their children’s kids. We hope that it will be for Georgia’s European Future. You make the choice. Georgia’s future lies in your hands.
Hadja LAHBIB
Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, and Federal Cultural Institutions in Belgium
Martin DVORAK
Minister for European Affairs (Czech Republic)
Anna LUHRMANN
Minister of State for Climate and Europe, Germany
Marie BJERRE
Minister for European Affairs, Denmark
Margus TSAHKNA
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia
Joakim STRAND
Minister for European Affairs, Ownership Steering and Finland
Benjamin HADDAD
Minister Delegate for European Affaires, France
Baiba BRAZE
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia
Simonas SATUNAS
Vice-Minister for European Affairs in Lithuania
Xavier BETTEL
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Luxembourg
Adam SZLAPKA
Minister for the European Union in Poland
Ines DOMINGOS
State Secretary for European Affaires, Portugal
Jessica ROSENCRANTZ
Minister for EU Affairs in Sweden
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