EU Ambassador to Georgia Speaks Out on Suspended Membership and Media Attacks
The EU ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, recently addressed a meeting of journalists. He expressed hope that the country would return to a democratic path and that its EU membership process would resume.
Herczyński also spoke about the recent attacks on journalists in Georgia. He hoped that those injured would recover quickly and that such attacks would not happen again. He emphasized the importance of punishing those responsible for these crimes.
The ambassador mentioned the anniversary of granting Georgia candidate status, which is December 14, 2023. He was disappointed to see that journalists were being brutally treated on this day.
Herczyński praised the Ethics Charter and its goal of promoting European standards in Georgian journalism. However, he noted that the priority for media development has changed from improving quality and professionalism to physical protection from attacks and intimidation.
The EU funds several media projects in Georgia, but some have had to adapt their activities due to these threats. Herczyński welcomed the resilience shown by journalists and citizens in the face of these challenges.
Despite recent developments, the EU continues to support free and independent media in Georgia. However, funding will be halted for the Georgian government, while support for civil society and independent media will increase.
Herczyński ended his speech on a positive note, expressing hope that Georgia would return to a democratic path and resume its EU membership process.