EU Halts Georgia's Accession Process
- 18.10.2024, 12:33
The decision was made at the end of the summit in Brussels.
The actions of the Georgian government contradict European values and principles, the process of Georgia's accession to the European Union is actually suspended, the Council said in a statement following the summit in Brussels.
"The European Council recalls that such a course of action jeopardizes Georgia's European path and actually suspends the process of its integration. He calls on Georgia to adopt democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms consistent with the basic principles of European integration,” the statement reads.
It notes that the European Council confirms the EU's readiness to support the Georgian people on the European path, but expresses "serious concern" about the actions of the Georgian government.
The European Council also expressed its expectation that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be free and fair, in line with international standards. The organization called for unhindered access for observers and efforts to protect independent media.
"The European Council reaffirms the EU's unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders," the press service of the European Council stressed.
In the spring of this year, Georgia adopted a law on "foreign agents", because of which mass protests began in the republic. Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili tried to veto the bill, but it was withdrawn by the parliament, after which the law was signed by Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.
Against this background, US Presidential National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan announced a "rollback of democracy" in Georgia, and he called the law on "foreign agents" "pro-Kremlin" and "contrary to democratic values." In early June, several dozen politicians and officials of Georgia fell under US visa restrictions after the adoption of the law on "foreign influence". As US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller reported, the blacklist included members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, MPs and law enforcement officers. Their relatives were also under restrictions.