The German Bundestag’s Foreign Affairs Committee has cited recent Georgian affairs as a serious obstacle to the country’s European integration. They emphasize the government’s current authoritarian tendencies and the magnitude at which it threatens democratic processes, all of which can possibly thwart the Bundestag’s support for EU negotiations.
The committee explicitly mentioned the crucial role of NGOs and civil society in maintaining democracy as the “Foreign Influence Transparency Act” can significantly weaken the basic freedoms of citizens. They highlighted the importance of the forthcoming October 26 parliamentary elections as critical for Georgia’s democracy and future, encouraging fair process and trustworthy international observers.
“We had three days of negotiations here in Georgia,” said Ulrich Lechte, Member of the German Bundestag. “We were busy with meetings involving non-governmental organizations, opposition parties, and representatives of Georgian society. We did not have the opportunity to meet with the authorities, as they refused to receive us.”
“Under the current policy of the Georgian government, there is no path to joining the EU,” Bundestag member Nils Schmid noted. “We are very concerned about recent developments in Georgia, and this is an opportunity for us to send a clear message: first, we expect the elections at the end of October to be free and fair.”
The committee declared its support for Georgian citizens and their desire to join the EU.
By Mariami Razmadze
