Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has criticized the Georgian authorities, saying the country is moving away from its European integration goals and warning that sanctions against Georgia and certain individuals remain under consideration.
Speaking to journalists ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers, Tsahkna said he was concerned about the current direction of the Georgian government.
“I am very sorry that the Georgian regime is taking a completely wrong path, not the path towards the European Union,” he stated.
Addressing Georgian citizens who continue to support the country’s European aspirations, the Estonian foreign minister urged them not to lose hope.
“My message to the Georgian people who really want to move in this direction is not to lose hope and to behave in a way that gives them hope for the future,” Tsahkna said.
Drawing a comparison with neighboring Armenia, he argued that public support for democratic reforms can ultimately lead to political change and closer ties with Europe.
“The experience of Armenia has shown that if the people want it, democratic elections can eventually be held and the European path can be opened. You should not lose hope, because Europe will remain open for Georgia,” he added.
Asked whether the European Union is currently considering sanctions against Georgia now that Hungary no longer holds a veto over such measures, Tsahkna confirmed that discussions are ongoing.
“Yes, we are considering sanctions against Georgia and certain individuals. Estonia has already included a very long list of individuals in its national sanctions regime, and we hope that this pressure will eventually work,” he said.
At the same time, Tsahkna stressed that decisions regarding Georgia’s future ultimately belong to its citizens.
“What the Georgian people should do is not for the EU to decide; it is for the Georgian people to decide. We, Estonians, certainly understand that the situation is difficult,” the minister noted.
