Foreign Ministers issue an official joint statement on Georgia, expressing concern over the actions taken by the Georgian government that led to the de facto suspension in the EU accession process of Georgia.
The statement mentions the threat to the scope and depth EU-Georgia relationships and cooperation.
The “Weimar Countries” continue to urge the Georgian government change its current policies.
The ministers also note that, in addition to expressing concern over the aggressive rhetoric toward the European Union and member states, they will not allow Georgian representatives of the government to spread false narratives and policies about Europe.
“We, as the foreign ministers of the Weimar Triangle member countries, confirm once again our support for the democratic, European aspirations and the absolute majority of Georgians.”
We regret the actions taken by the Georgian Government, which led to de facto suspension in the EU accession process of Georgia, as announced by the European Council on June 27, which represents the heads or government of 27 EU member states.
Since then, the negative trend has only gotten worse, with the emergence of the “Transparency Law”, which declares NGOs who receive more than 20 percent of their funding from foreign powers as agents of foreign power, and recent legislative changes that limit the rights of LGBT+ individuals, as well as attacks against civil society organizations and independent reporters.
We are also increasingly concerned by the increasing aggressive rhetoric directed at the EU and its members states. The European Union will not tolerate Georgian government officials spreading false narratives about European policies and positions.
We call again on the Government of Georgia, to change its current behavior. At stake are the scope and depth of EU and Georgia relations and cooperation.
We expect that the Georgian authorities will ensure that the upcoming election is fair and free, and will comply with the OSCE ODIHR recommendations, especially in regards to the ability to conduct elections in a safe and free manner.
We hope the Georgian government will recommit itself to implementing reforms that are a priority for the country as it is an EU candidate. We are prepared to continue to support the Georgian society as it moves towards a European future. Our hand is still outstretched.
We continue to support and strengthen the sovereignty and territorial Integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders”, – stated in the statement by the Foreign Ministers from the “Weimar Triangle”, which includes Germany, France and Poland.
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