Demonstrations continue in Tbilisi against the government which wants to pass a law on foreign influence, inspired by Russia.
The EU calls on the Georgian government to stay on the path of democratic reforms if the country wants to join the European project.
Several European officials ask the head of Union diplomacy, Josep Borrell, to put in place sanctions against the Georgian authorities while thousands of citizens take to the streets to denounce the proposed foreign influence lawa text inspired by a measure put in place by Russia to limit freedom of expression.
“We hope, we expect and we call on the authorities to return to Europe and respect all the commitments they voluntarily made when they requested candidate status for their country“, underlines Peter Stano, spokesperson for the European Commission.
The institution denounces theuse of force used by the Georgian government against the political opposition and journalists. The ruling party in Tbilisi, Georgian Dream, could move the country away from the Union and possible membership.
12 member states are also demanding clarification. They want to know if the approval of this law on foreign influence could lead to a suspension of accession negotiations.
“It is time for the EU to put an end to this double game“, insists John O’Brennan, professor at Maynooth University.
“We cannot be part of the accession process and at the same time introduce legislation which is completely in contradiction with Article 2 of the Treaty of the European Union; completely contradictory to the commitment that the Georgian government gave to the European Commission.“
Georgia obtained the candidate status in December 2023subject to necessary measures being adopted.