In a joint statement, 13 European Ministers for European Affairs and Foreign Affairs have expressed serious concerns regarding recent developments in Georgia’s October 26 election process.
The ministers emphasized reports from international observers, highlighting widespread violations both during the campaign period and on election day.
“We condemn all violation of international norms for free and fair elections. We share their concerns and demand an impartial inquiry of complaints and remedy of the violations established,” the joint statement reads.
The ministers called for an impartial investigation into the electoral complaints, urging authorities to address and rectify all established violations. “We stand at the side of the Georgian people in this challenging time,” the statement read, emphasizing the need for peaceful responses to protests from both the government and the citizens.
The statement underscored that electoral integrity violations run counter to the standards expected from EU candidates, compromising Georgia’s progress on its EU path.
Furthermore, the ministers criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s recent visit to Georgia.
“Upholding the rule of law and free and fair elections is integral to any progress on Georgia’s EU path. We criticize Prime Minister Orban’s premature visit to Georgia. He does not speak on behalf of the EU,” the Ministers stressed.
The statement is signed by:
Martin DVOŘÁK – Minister for European Affairs, Czechia
Marie BJERRE – Minister for European Affairs, Denmark
Anna LÜHRMANN – Minister of State for Europe and Climate, Germany
Margus TSAHKNA – Minister for Foreign Affairs, Estonia
Joakim STRAND – Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, Finland
Benjamin HADDAD – Minister Delegate for European Affairs, France
Jennifer Carroll MACNEILL – Minister of State for EU Affairs, Ireland
Gabrielius LANDSBERGIS – Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lithuania
Caspar VELDKAMP – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands
Xavier BETTEL – Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Luxembourg
Adam SZŁAPKA – Minister for the European Union, Poland
Inês DOMINGOS – State Secretary for European Affairs, Portugal
Jessica ROSENCRANTZ – Minister for EU Affairs, Sweden
