As a result of Georgia’s diverging from the European path, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF) is suspending its cooperation with Georgia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport, as well as other Georgian institutions, a statement released by the German Embassy in Georgia on social media reads.
The statement also notes that the “BMBF is open to renewing dialogue on the condition that the Georgian authorities take credible and tangible steps toward internal de-escalation, restoring academic freedom, and returning to the path of European integration.”
BMBF recommends that German universities, research, and implementing organizations also suspend institutional cooperation with Georgian state agencies within the legal framework.
“As a result of diverging from the European path, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research of Germany (BMBF) is currently suspending cooperation with Georgia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport, as well as other Georgian institutions. At the same time, BMBF is open to renewing dialogue on the condition that the Georgian authorities take credible and tangible steps toward internal de-escalation, restoring academic freedom, and returning to the path of European integration.
“Germany expresses solidarity with researchers in Georgia who wish to continue their research in a free environment and reaffirms their right to the protection and promotion of academic freedom, which is a commitment for Georgia as a UN member. Therefore, we would like to continue, as much as possible, the dialogue with scientists and civil society structures engaged in research in Georgia and support the country’s European integration.
“We are convinced that student exchanges between Georgia and Germany are an important contribution to closer ties with Europe, so this exchange will continue.
“Our goal is to preserve research and connection opportunities between German scientists and their Georgian partners. Projects and individual funding will continue. Through this, we are also sending a signal to those who support a European, cosmopolitan Georgia.
“BMBF recommends that German universities, research, and implementing organizations also suspend institutional cooperation with Georgian state agencies within the legal framework. Based on academic freedom, the decision-making responsibility lies with the researchers themselves,” the statement concludes.
