Brussels, 1 and 2 May 2024
Statement by President von der Leyen on the situation in Georgia
1 May 2024
“I am following the situation in Georgia with great concern and I condemn the violence in the streets of Tbilisi. Georgia’s citizens are demonstrating their strong attachment to democracy. The Georgian government should heed this clear message. The European Union has also clearly expressed its concerns regarding the law on foreign influence. The Georgian people want a European future for their country. In recognition of these aspirations, the European Council in December gave Georgia candidate status and set out a clear path to the opening of accession negotiations. We expect the Georgian government to take swift action on the measures they have committed to take as a candidate country. Georgia is at a crossroads. It should stay the course on the road to Europe.
MEPs condemn the ongoing violence against peaceful protesters in Georgia
Joint statement by leading MEPs on the use of force against protesters opposing the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” in Georgia:
“We are deeply worried about the situation in Georgia and we condemn the violence against peaceful protesters and opposition politicians who are demonstrating against the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence”. We call on the Georgian Government to urgently de-escalate the situation and stop using force against peaceful protesters. We reiterate that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental right, which needs to be rigorously respected.
We have already expressed our concern about the re-introduction of the controversial draft law, which is an attack on independent media and civil society organisations. If adopted, this law will jeopardise Georgia’s progress on the EU path. We call on the Georgian leadership to withdraw the draft law and concentrate their efforts on reforms necessary for the accession to the EU and NATO.
The Georgian people are defending freedom, democracy and European future. They do not want to be part of the Russian orbit. We urge Georgian leaders to meet the expectations of their citizens and not block their legitimate European aspirations.
We express our full solidarity with the Georgian people who are showing their indefatigable attachment to democracy, European values and to Georgia’s path towards the European Union.”
Source – EU Parliament
Statement by Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström:
“Over the past weeks, tens of thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets across the country to raise their voices against the so-called draft law on foreign influence. Sweden is following these events closely and condemns the use of violence against peaceful protestors. Freedom of assembly must be respected.
By granting Georgia candidate status, the European Union has shown that it supports the European aspirations of the Georgian people. A vibrant and independent civil society plays a crucial role in advancing along Georgia’s EU path.
The proposed legislation would run counter to Georgia’s stated EU ambitions, as enshrined in the constitution and supported by an overwhelming majority of its citizens, and its commitments as a candidate country. If adopted, it would jeopardise Georgia’s progress towards the EU. The Georgian Government should refrain from false narratives and inflammatory rhetoric. Candidate status is a historic opportunity for Georgia.”
Source – Swedish Government