The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning the democratic backsliding and human rights abuses in Georgia, particularly after the recent parliamentary elections. The resolution expresses strong support for the Euro–Atlantic aspirations of the Georgian people and calls on the Commission to review the EU-Georgia Association Agreement due to the breach of democratic principles.
Key points of the resolution include:
* Welcoming PACE’s decision to challenge Georgia’s parliamentary delegation credentials
* Calling on Georgia to initiate an inclusive process involving all political and social actors to address deficiencies and shortcomings in the electoral system
* Deplored the suspension of accession talks and rejection of EU funding by the Georgian government
* Expressing support for the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of the Georgian people
* Calling for a comprehensive audit of EU policy towards Georgia due to democratic backsliding
* Welcoming the Commission’s decision to cease budgetary support and suspend investment projects in Georgia
* Condemning the climate of intimidation and polarisation fuelled by government representatives and political leaders
* Calling on the Commission to redirect frozen funding to support civil society, independent media, and democratic resilience programmes
The resolution also expresses deep concern about increasing Russian influence in Georgia and deplores the Georgian Dream government’s policy of rapprochement with Russia. It urges the release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds.
Overall, the resolution highlights the European Parliament’s concerns about the deterioration of democracy and human rights in Georgia and calls for immediate action to address these issues.