Remarks by the head of the EU Delegation to Georgia

On June 19, Paweł Herczyńsky, the head of the EU Delegation to Georgia, stated that the adoption of the Foreign Agents law had frozen Georgia's EU integration and that the EU would discuss the consequences of this decision next week at the level of Foreign Ministers.

In response to a question about Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s statement on the Foreign Agents law increasing Georgia’s chances of EU integration, Herczyńsky stated that the reality was the opposite. "When it comes to EU-Georgia relations, with huge regret, I have to tell you that we are currently undergoing a difficult period in our relationship. We have repeatedly said that enacting the law on foreign influence would adversely affect Georgia's EU aspirations. Unfortunately, this has happened. Next week, the EU will discuss the consequences." He added, "This discussion will happen first at the level of foreign ministers, then several days later at the level of [the EU] leaders. So, the Presidents and the Prime Ministers will discuss and decide what measures we will take in response to those events in Georgia." Herczyńsky emphasized, "The prospect of Georgia moving forward has been adversely affected. Basically, adoption of this law, as I see it, has frozen Georgia's EU integration." Regarding the consequences, he explained that the services of the European Commission and External Action had prepared a "menu of options" for the consequences Georgia might face. This list had been sent to each EU member state, which would decide on what option to support during the meetings at the Foreign Ministers and Heads of State levels.

He also highlighted that opening accession negotiations with Georgia now depended on the decision of EU member states, some of whom had clearly stated that they would not support it if Georgia enacted the law. "And what I want to add is that this is happening in the context of Ukraine and Moldova's opening accession negotiations precisely next week. So, it's really heartbreaking to see that the integration process of Georgia into the European Union is practically stopped, is practically frozen, and at the same time, we are moving ahead with Ukraine and Moldova," Herczyńsky noted.

Addressing Georgia’s relations with China, Herczyńsky stated, "What I can say is that the European Union has a mutually beneficial relationship with China. This relationship extends through trade to many other areas like climate change. We consider China to be a very important, even indispensable, partner on a global stage. But at the same time, we try to de-risk from China's influence and not make our economy dependent on China. [As for Georgia], it’s for Georgia and Georgians to decide what relations Georgia wants to have with what countries."

Regarding whether Georgia changed its foreign policy course, he responded, "It is for Georgians to decide who is your friend and who is your enemy." He cited the 16-year EU monitoring mission and "huge" financial support, which, he stressed, had gone to the government ten times more than to civil society. "We have always used all our instruments, expertise, and training in order to strengthen the Georgian institutions and Georgian democracy, and we are here to stay. It is for Georgia to decide who Georgia's friend is and who Georgia's foe is. We are fully at the disposal of Georgia and Georgian people and the Georgian government. We want Georgia to be a very successful country, and we are patient. At the moment our relationship goes through a difficult period, I understand there will be elections held in October. I sincerely hope that this difficult period will be over, common sense will prevail," Herczyńsky stated.

Remarks by US Ambassador

US Ambassador to Georgia Robin Dunnigan spoke about the deterioration of relations with Georgia due to Tbilisi’s "extremely concerning steps" and urged the Georgian authorities to change course promptly to avoid further sanctions. 

Dunnigan discussed the "32-year partnership" between the two countries, which had been beneficial to both sides, but noted challenges in the relationship when she arrived in Georgia. She welcomed the European Union's decision to grant Georgia candidacy but expressed concern over recent actions by the Georgian government, including mounting anti-Western rhetoric and the passage of the foreign agents law. These actions, she noted, contradicted the "stated aspirations of the Georgian people" and included "a campaign of intimidation and violence" against government critics.

She explained that these actions had led the US to impose visa restrictions on individuals and their family members complicit in undermining democracy, spreading disinformation, and violence against citizens in Georgia. Dunnigan confirmed that sanctioned individuals had been notified that their US visas were no longer valid, and those without visas were no longer eligible. Referring to the US Secretary of State's statement, she warned of likely further consequences. However, she emphasized that these were avoidable if the government reversed course. "The consequences we've imposed are a tool to try to change behavior, not to punish the Georgian people," she stressed.

Dunnigan listed areas where the US provides assistance to Georgia, noting that Secretary Blinken’s statement about reviewing US-Georgia relations "puts all of that assistance at risk" because it is challenging to maintain a strong partnership if the government views the US as an adversary. She pointed out that some statements from the ruling party and government members had characterized the US and the EU as adversaries.

When asked how repealing the law could improve relations, Dunnigan said it would be an "exceptionally important step in improving our relationship" and help avoid negative consequences. However, she noted that repeal alone was insufficient for fully normalizing relations and urged the Georgian leadership to cease spreading disinformation and anti-Western rhetoric and stop violence against peaceful assemblies and individual protesters. She advised the government not to wait for the elections to take these steps.

Dunnigan also addressed the Georgian government awarding the Anaklia Deep Sea Port construction project to a Chinese company, CCCC. She pointed out that the Chinese Communist Party owns the company, "the number one financier of the Russian military today." She mentioned that the US Treasury noted the company's "deep ties" with the Chinese military. She questioned why the Georgian government would cooperate with such a company, especially since the World Bank barred it in 2009 from infrastructure projects due to fraud.

She referred to the Chinese company’s recent controversial project in Sri Lanka, where the Chinese government secured a 99-year lease, allowing Chinese ships to come and go "at will." Dunnigan expressed concern about Sri Lanka ceding its sovereignty over critical infrastructure. "So, there are a lot of concerns about Anaklia. Of course, it’s a sovereign decision, but I’m just reiterating some of the concerns that are heard globally about this particular company," concluded Dunnigan.