Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Marta Kos, EU Commissioner for Enlargement, expressed regret over Georgia’s shift away from EU integration and condemned actions against protestors.
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, addressing the Foreign Relations Committee in the EU Parliament, said,
“The crisis in Georgia, on the other hand, is a stark reminder that the route to EU membership is not straightforward and that setbacks can occur, and they do occur. I deeply regret the authority’s persistence in shifting away from the EU integration.”
How is the EU supporting Georgia’s civil society?
According to Marta Kos, the European Union will continue supporting civil society organizations and independent media in Georgia. She noted that €8.5 million has already been reallocated to them, with an additional €7 million ready to be allocated for communication activities. She emphasized the need to strengthen the response to disinformation spread by the Georgian Dream’s leadership.
“The Georgian people’s preference for European integration was implanted in a constitutional obligation, and they are taking to the roads night after night because they clearly wish to keep it. The steps of the authorities against serene protestors, opponent representatives, civil society organizations and reporters are entirely improper.
The EU Commission has already stopped more than 100 million euros of grants directly aiding the Georgian authorities, and we are examining further reallocations. We have also proposed to partially discontinue the EU-Georgia visa facilitation contract so we can offer visa requirements for holders of diplomatic service passports given by Georgia. EU member states will vote on the recommendation by the end of January,”
She expressed.
Why are Georgians protesting against the current government?
Mass protests broke out in Georgia after the parliamentary elections on October 26, 2024, won by the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party with 54 percent. Many citizens and opposition leaders accused them of falsifying the polls and demanded new ones, calling this new government illegal. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the suspension of talks between Georgia with the EU until 2028 on 28 November 2024. The move triggered public fury since most Georgian citizens regard accession to the EU as crucially important for their future and reflective of their hopes for democracy.
