The delegation of the EU’s Political and Security Committee (PSC) shared concerns with the Georgian authorities regarding several recent initiatives, including the “Transparency of Foreign Influence” draft law.
This was stated in the press release issued in connection with the PSC’s visit to Georgia.
The European Union emphasized its own values protected in its founding treaty.
The members of the committee noted that joining the European Union is a merit-based process and urged the Georgian authorities to take the necessary steps to achieve this goal.
“In this context, the recommendations of the European Commission of November 8, 2023 in the form of nine steps are a clear guideline. The necessary reforms and progress should be implemented without delay, with the approach of participation of the whole society, with the involvement of the government, all political parties and civil society. “Time is running out, and now is the time to implement the nine steps and avoid any decision that would create an obstacle on the way to the European Union,” says the press release.
The members of the committee call on the Georgian authorities to use the available opportunity, taking into account the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 26, 2024. In this context, the European Union welcomes the decision of the Government of Georgia to invite OSCE/ODIHR observers. The European Union notes the need for free and fair elections and emphasizes the need to take into account all remaining recommendations made by the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission regarding amendments to the Electoral Code.
Members of the Political and Security Committee (PSC) of the European Union are on a working visit to Georgia on April 10-11. The delegation, led by the chairman of the committee, Ambassador Delphine Pronk, met with President Salome Zurabishvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani, representatives of the parliamentary majority and opposition, and civil society representatives.
Members of the delegation will also visit the EU Civilian Monitoring Mission (EUMM Georgia) and will visit the administrative border line.
The delegation’s arrival is part of a larger visit to the region, which includes meetings in Armenia (April 8-9) and Azerbaijan (April 11-12) and aims to strengthen dialogue with partners in a region important to the EU.
The committee made its first such visit to Georgia 7 years ago. During various meetings, the members of the delegation emphasized the importance of Georgia’s use of the current moment on the path of integration into the European Union.
“Following the historic decision of the European Council on December 14, 2023 to grant Georgia candidate status, the door of the European Union is now open for membership,” the committee says.
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