EU Ambassador Carl Hartzell: "Georgia Could Be Better Prepared for Membership Bid"

Georgia might have been "better equipped" for its membership candidacy, according to EU Ambassador Carl Hartzell, "since it comes at a time when the EU is growing worried about the country's present trajectory."

"Following an effective slowing of the reform pace in recent years – partially due to a series of political crises for which all parties share responsibility – doubts have been raised regarding Georgia's direction in recent months," the ambassador added. In this context, Hartzell stated that the EU has publicly reacted to a number of developments in 2021, including "questions about the trend in the conduct of democratic elections; the July 5th violence and its aftermath, with implications for the rights of minorities and the protection of journalists; several actions taken that run counter to building trust in the judiciary and the rule of law; wiretapping practises vs. human rights, including the right to privacy; and the dismantling of the European Union's border control system. These are not… minor developments," the ambassador stated in a keynote speech at a conference organised by numerous civil society organisations called "New Security Architecture in Europe and its Impact on Georgia." "They're all linked to the European Union's core ideals, as stated in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union."

"However, you desire to explain away any of these occurrences – as some do – the truth remains that reform is required," he continued. "Perceptions matter, trends matter, and Georgia must strive to reclaim its place as the region's top performer and reformer - a position for which it has every chance and even a track record. The bad news is that you won't be able to rely on anybody else to complete this task for you. The good news is that you don't have to," Hartzell maintained, "since these decisions are largely in your control." Ambassador Hartzell emphasised that "no matter" the EU's decision on Georgia's candidacy, the 27-member union will remain ready to support the nation in furthering its European agenda. Georgia has made significant progress on reforms over many years, earning the designation of "Eastern Partnership forerunner," according to the diplomat, but its EU membership ambition has "also upped the stakes."

"The European Union has spent extensively in the creation of the world's largest internal market, becoming the world's largest trade player, and the world's largest global development assistance giver," he said. "Progress on EU expansion is not, in other words, a test of the EU's goodwill for a candidate nation," Ambassador Hartzell said. "It is a test of a candidate country's resolve and capacity to make the decisions and implement the changes required to proceed honestly and permanently on its European path." Whatever the outcome of Georgia's candidacy request - "less than hoped for, more than expected, with or without particular criteria – the conclusion in all situations must be that now is the time for Georgia to get to work!" stated Hartzell. While unity — "necessary for success" — is less of a problem among political parties in terms of substance when it comes to united calls for Georgia's EU membership, "the real problem is to get everyone in the same room when making these calls and formulating together the agenda ahead," according to the EU diplomat. Ambassador Hartzell stated, "I am not naive about the difficulties of building a political culture of listening to each other, rather than labelling each other as slaves, war-mongers, Putinists, traitors, or just quote-unquote not interesting.' However, this obstacle must be surmounted."

CSOs and journalists formed initiative for Georgia's “European Path"

Local civil society leaders, journalists, artists, and public personalities have teamed up to launch "Take a Step Towards Europe," project. The initiative's members also delivered a nine-point manifesto describing Georgia's future "European route."

The document said:

“For our country, this is a folding moment in history. In a few weeks from now, we will all see what the future holds for us and for our children. The time has come for all living generations of this country to make a big decision. No matter how frustrated and exhausted we all may be, each and every one of us must decide – whether we choose Georgia, its people, its ancient culture, its tireless pursuit of development to gather new momentum, and whether our journey as a people and nation shall endure.

Through centuries, time and again, a generation – one in a few – has been destined to pass the test of history, stand against the odds, and reclaim the country and its future. And for as long as, in an unbroken chain of succession, again and again, people dare to choose life in dignity over pitiful end, hope over despair, and freedom over obedient serfdom – the journey endures, and the people and their country shall not perish.

Many chosen generations that came before us have made their choice, so that we inherit this country for us to protect, cherish and nurture it to see it prosper and thrive. Now it happens to be our privilege to carry this great responsibility that none of us can surrender or avoid. If the future is about carrying on the glorious past of this ancient land of free people; and dignity and freedom is the way of Georgians that makes us who we are and we cannot settle for less – our choice and destiny is the European future of our country.

In this important moment in time, our choice is firm and clear, we choose the European path – because we claim the future in which:

1) Georgia is a free country of free people – we never choose between 'motherland and the state,' and between 'freedom and security' – motherland means the state, and security is for defending freedom.

2) People are the source of state authority – no one shall have the right to illegally gain or cease power for one’s wealth, rank, or honours.

3) Change in government happens through free and fair elections and transfer of power is a regular political event – not a rare exception.

4) Universal human rights and freedoms are recognised and protected under the supremacy of law – not the will of a ruler but the law is supreme, all are equal under the law, and no one is above the law.

5) Justice is delivered by independent and competent courts where everyone is equal before the law, and no one can order or purchase a verdict.

6) Freedom of speech is inviolable and protected – no one is persecuted for expressing an opinion, and censorship and pressure on the media are punished by law.

7) There is no extreme, humiliating, and deadly poverty – no one is homeless or hungry, retired senior citizens live their decent lives.

8)The state effectively fights and defeats corruption – the state budget is not looted by officials ordained by rulers. Embezzlement is persecuted by law.

9) Georgia’s cultural heritage and nature are protected – national treasures and natural resources are carefully protected and never illegally disposed by rulers.

Therefore, today, we – the people of Georgia stay firm in our shared conviction – our future is in the European Union and with the free world that delivers its promise of security, peace, and dignity for every citizen. With this choice, we honour the struggle and sacrifice of many generations of Georgians who have fought for freedom, statehood, and a better future.

As this is a moment of truth for Georgia, future generations will judge us for what we have done – what you have done – when the fate of the country had been decided.

A free country has always been earned but never granted, and it has been a destiny and privilege of those who despite differences and disagreements all agreed that it is their irrevocable birth right and they won’t ever settle for less.

Stay united – take a step towards Europe!”

Georgia's opposition requesting that EU grant Georgia Candidate Status

The EU has been urged to grant Georgia candidate status, which would "ensure the democratic development of the country, including the implementation of judicial and institutional reforms and the liberation of Georgia from Russian influence," according to key opposition parties and independent lawmakers in the Parliament.

On May 25th, Vice-Speaker Levan Ioseliani of the Citizens party read the petition in the plenary chamber, emphasising that the nation and its people should not suffer as a result of the EU's refusal to give Georgia candidacy due to the "wrong acts of the [Georgian Dream] government. Despite the difficulties on the reform path and the ruling party's withdrawal from the [EU-brokered] April 19th political agreement, we, the signatory parties and MPs, believe it is necessary to grant Georgia the status of an EU candidate, and we express our willingness to participate in carrying out every reform necessary for Georgia's democratic development," the statement read. "Georgia is the pro-Western state in the area," the opposition said, "with 20% of its territory seized and no security guarantees," while the West stands united against Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

According to the opposition groups, Russia will fail to "restore Georgia, Ukraine, and Moldova to its orbit. An EU candidate status would offer us hope, power, and the possibility to realise our nations' historic desire, to become full-fledged members of the European family," they said, adding that a rejection of candidacy would be viewed as a "rejection of the Georgian people's will" by the Georgian public. "Joining the European family would be an opportunity to maintain the rule of law, the separation of powers concept, an independent judiciary, media freedom, and widely recognised fundamental human rights in the country," the opposition parties said.