Will the European Union listen to the people of Georgia and choose hope, or will we ignore the European values and compromise? – Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis asked on his personal X page.
He talked about his visit to Georgia and the bill on “transparency of foreign influence” and states that by choosing an autocracy, Georgia will choose a different geopolitical orientation. He notes that one cannot sit on two chairs, by which he means on the road to Europe when you have one foot in Moscow.
“Will the European Union listen to the people of Georgia and choose hope? Or will we ignore our European values and compromise?
“I have a lot to think about after my visit to Tbilisi… It seems that the so-called the Transparency Act is not about transparency. Most likely, the goal is to target non-governmental organizations that are critical of the current processes in the country and subjugate them. Those most likely to be targeted are largely funded by the EU and the US.
“Amending a law written in an undemocratic spirit is beyond the capabilities of any human being. Many people are convinced that any amendment will simply be a sham, leaving the government with the tools to begin restricting the activities of NGOs.
“If enacted, the law will most likely evolve as we saw in Russia. When the law is in place, it is easy to amend it quietly. The whole logic of the law is a dangerous path that can lead to the establishment of total control over civil society.
“In meetings with the government, I heard arguments that the law will reduce polarization. In fact, by banning alternative views, it can destroy democracy. Polarization can only be overcome through the dialogue and inclusiveness that democracy allows.
“By choosing autocracy, Georgia will also choose a different geopolitical orientation. You cannot sit on two chairs. You can’t be on your way to Europe when you have one foot in Moscow.
“Another major concern is the organized harassment and intimidation campaign against civil society and the opposition. This must stop, and the organizers must be prosecuted. This intimidation raises questions about freedom of expression and non-state actors.
“Finally, while we are now focusing on law and intimidation, we must remember that this is an election year. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that elections are free and fair.
“I am returning to Lithuania with the worry that the European future of Georgia may have been hijacked and the promise made to the people of Georgia may be broken. But I see that hope is alive. It is in the streets and in the hearts of the people we met outside the parliament,” Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis wrote.
Related story: FMs: Georgian gov’t is not fulfilling its promises to the EU
