Photo by Tbel Abuseridze on Unsplash
The European Union says it regrets the Georgian Dream’s decision not to pursue the opening of EU accession negotiations and rejecting EU financial support until 2028.
A statement from the EU said the announcement marks a shift from the policies of all previous Georgian governments and the European aspirations of the vast majority of Georgian people.
It goes on, “We recall that the Georgian authorities’ course of actions and democratic backsliding led to the de facto halt of the accession process already in June this year and that financial assistance from the EU directly benefiting the Georgian authorities is currently on hold.”
The EU notes that the Georgian people have once again taken to the streets to reaffirm their aspirations for joining the European Union.
“The EU strongly condemns the violence against peaceful protesters, who are standing firm for their European and democratic future.”
“These actions by the Georgian government have direct consequences on our relationship.”
The statement was issued by the High Representative Vice-President of the Commission, Kaja Kallas, and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos.
The statement continues, “Georgian authorities must respect the right to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression, and refrain from using force against peaceful protesters, politicians and media representatives. All acts of violence must be investigated and those responsible held accountable.”
“The EU reiterates its serious concerns about the continuous democratic backsliding of the country, including the irregularities which took place in the run up and during the recent Parliamentary elections.”
The EU, said the two EU officials, “stands with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future. The door to the EU remains open and the return of Georgia to the European values and the EU accession path is in the hands of the Georgian leadership.”
Meanwhile, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution condemning the 26 October parliamentary elections in Georgia for being neither free nor fair, representing yet another manifestation of the continued democratic backsliding of the country for which the ruling Georgian Dream party is fully responsible.
MEPs denounced the “numerous and serious electoral violations, including documented cases of intimidation of voters, vote manipulation, interference with election observers and media and reported manipulation involving electronic voting machines.”
The vote results announced by the country’s Central Election Commission “do not serve as a reliable representation of the will of the Georgian people”, they add.
Deputies also said they reject any recognition of the parliamentary elections as a result, and that the international community should too.
MEPs said they want the elections re-run within a year under thorough international supervision and by an independent election administration.
