13 EU Foreign Ministers Warn Georgia: Democratic Standards Key to EU Path
The Foreign Ministers of 13 EU countries issued a joint statement emphasizing that Georgians must be free to choose their future. The statement expressed concern over Georgia’s European future, urging the country to remain on its path toward EU membership. The ministers, representing Germany, France, Poland, and ten other EU nations, reaffirmed their support for Georgia’s European aspirations and called for free and fair elections.
The letter highlighted Georgia's journey since regaining independence, describing its pursuit of a free, democratic, and European future. It acknowledged the pro-European sentiment among the Georgian people and the EU's long-standing support for Georgia on this path. The ministers, however, voiced concerns that Georgia had recently deviated from this course, citing the adoption of the Russian-style Foreign Agents law, which has hindered the country's EU accession process. The ministers warned that EU membership would remain out of reach unless the Georgian government changed its direction. They stressed that any attempts to downplay or misrepresent this reality are either "delusional or deceitful."
The letter underscored the EU's core values, asserting that Georgia's laws, including the Foreign Agents and anti-LGBT legislation, do not align with EU norms. The ministers argued that these laws infringe upon the fundamental rights of Georgian citizens and jeopardize the country's EU accession.
The Foreign Ministers also criticized certain Georgian politicians for engaging in propaganda and disinformation campaigns against the EU. They condemned the baseless accusations leveled against the EU, such as claims of coup and assassination plots and attempts to drag Georgia into war. The letter emphasized that such rhetoric undermines Georgia’s relationship with its Western partners.
Despite these challenges, the ministers reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to welcoming Georgia into the European family, reiterating that the door remains open for the country’s future membership. They urged the Georgian authorities to ensure that the upcoming elections are free and fair, allowing citizens to determine their future. The letter concluded with a hopeful message, stating that Georgia’s future is in the hands of its people and expressing hope that they would choose a European future for themselves and future generations.
The signatories included Foreign Ministers from Belgium, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, and Sweden.