Few days before Georgia’s important parliamentary elections, 13 EU countries released a joint statement stating that Georgians should be able choose the future they want for themselves. They expressed hope that the choice Georgians make will be towards the country’s European Future. The Ministers express their concern for Georgia’s European Future and write that they “feel the need to recall the EU’s position on Georgia, and to correct misperceptions or intended mischaracterizations regarding Georgia’s European Aspirations.”
The Ministers note how Georgia gained its independence and embarked on “a path to a free democratic prosperous and – not least – European future.” They wrote: “Motivated… by the overwhelming proEuropean public support from the Georgian people. Our countries – Germany France and Poland, as well as Belgium Czechia, Denmark Estonia, Finland Latvia, Lithuania Luxembourg, Portugal, and Sweden – were strong supporters of Georgia in this path since the very beginning.”
The letter recalls Georgia’s EU candidate status attained late last year. It then goes on to state that Georgia has since deviated from its European path, including by adopting a Russian-style Foreign Agents Law, which has led to a de facto stop to the country’s EU membership.
“Thus, we must be clear. Georgia will not be able to become a part of the EU if Georgian officials do not change their course. The letter states that toning down this clear decision or interpreting it in any other manner is either delusional, or outright deceitful.
The Foreign Ministers note that the EU’s suspension of Georgia’s entry process was not taken lightly, but stress that the EU is more than an economic, social, and trade union. It is a family of nations that share the same values that must be respected by those who wish to join.
They reiterate that the law on Foreign Agents is not in line core EU values and norms. The letter states that “it undermines the basic rights of Georgians, which are at core of Georgia’s obligations as part of the EU Accession Path.” The letter also mentions laws that hinder Georgia’s EU accession, including the anti LGBT law.
The EU Ministers also slammed “some Georgian politicians” who had engaged in “an unprecedented campaign” of propaganda, disinformation and plain lies against its Western partners.
The Foreign Ministers emphasize the EU’s eagerness for Georgia to join the European family. The letter states that “the door is open and it will remain so.” It also adds that the European Council has reiterated its unwavering solidarity with the Georgians and their European aspirations.
“Let’s also be clear: we expect the Georgian authority to guarantee free and fair election. Georgians should be able choose the future they want for themselves, their children, and their children’s grandchildren. We hope that it will be for Georgia’s European Future. You make the choice. The future of Georgia is in your own hands,” concludes the letter.
The signatories include: Hadja Lahbib from Belgium, Martin Dvorak from Czechia, Anna Luhrmann from Germany, Marie Bjerre of Denmark, Margus Tsahkna of Estonia, Joakim Strand of Finland, Benjamin Haddad from France, Baiba Braze and Simonas Satunas in Lithuania, Baiba Braze and Baiba Satunas in Latvia, Xavier Bettel at Luxembourg, Adam Szlapka for Poland, Ines Domingo
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