In line with the current situation regarding Georgia’s European integration and the many obstacles holding it, the Foreign Ministers of the Weimar Triangle issued a statement on October 10 reaffirming their support for the democratic values and European aspirations of the Georgian people. The concerns expressed in the letter regarding the Georgian government’s actions and the possible consequences that interrupt the country’s EU goals, emphasize the significance of resolving these pressing issues.
Below is the full statement:
We, the Foreign Ministers of the Weimar Triangle, reaffirm our support for the democratic and European aspirations of the overwhelming majority of the Georgian people.
We deplore the actions of the Georgian Government that have led to a de facto halt of Georgia’s accession process to the European Union, as declared by the European Council on 27 June representing the Heads of State or Governments of the 27 EU Member States.
The negative trend has only worsened since then, with worrying threats of repression, the entry into force of the so-called “Transparency law”, which stigmatizes NGOs receiving more than 20% of funding from abroad and labels them as pursuing the interest of a foreign power, the recently adopted legislative amendments that restrict the rights of LGBTI people, as well as attacks against civil-society organizations and independent journalists.
In addition, we note with growing concern the increase in aggressive rhetoric towards the EU and its Member States. The EU will not tolerate the spreading of false narratives about European positions and policies by Georgia’s authorities.
We reiterate our call on Georgia’s Government to reverse its current course of action. The scope and depth of EU-Georgia relations and cooperation are at stake.
We expect the Georgian authorities to ensure that the upcoming elections in Georgia are free and fair and follow the OSCE ODIHR recommendations, including the ability to conduct a free and safe electoral campaign.
We hope that Georgia’s Government will re-commit to implement the reform priorities defined by the country’s EU candidate status. We stand ready to continue supporting Georgian society on its path towards a European future. Our hands remain outstretched.
We remain committed to strengthening and supporting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
