Members of the European Parliament ask to deprive Georgia of its EU candidate status

Several dozen members of the European Parliament called on the Vice-President of the EC and the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, to suspend the status of a candidate for accession to the European Union for Georgia.

According to European deputies, writes SOVA, attempts to silence peaceful demonstrators and use force in the process of adopting the Russian equivalent of the law on “foreign agents” went beyond what was permitted:

“This behavior has further increased tension and polarization in Georgian politics and society.”

European parliamentarians point out that these actions are contrary to the 9 steps of the European Commission set out in the context of gaining candidate status, and the developments can no longer be ignored. The statement from the MEPs said:

“We urge you to take a firm position and take appropriate measures that will send a clear signal to the government of Georgia. The behavior of the government of Georgia and the leading Georgian Dream party contradicts the obligations of the candidate country EU. Accordingly, Georgia’s candidate status should be terminated without further progress towards accession.”

In addition, the deputies insist that it is necessary to reconsider the European Union's financing of the state budget and government programs of Georgia. They want an interim assessment of Georgia's progress in implementing the nine steps set out in the European Commission's recommendation of 8 November 2023 to be carried out immediately. Among the authors of the statement are Rasa Juknevičienė, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexman and 28 other members of the European Parliament.

Not long ago, Gert Jan Koopman, director general of the European Commission's enlargement directorate, warned the Georgian government that the “foreign agents” bill was unacceptable and would be an obstacle to the country's hopes of joining the EU, but there was still time to change the situation.

Previously our publication toldhow at a protest against the law on “foreign agents” in the capital of Georgia, security forces beat the chairman of the largest opposition party in Georgia, the United National Movement, Levan Khabeishvili and the leader of the political association “Citizens,” Aleko Elisashvili.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeJB7BCdxmU

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