The Nordic Ministers of Foreign Affairs have issued a strong statement urging a thorough and impartial investigation into the reported irregularities surrounding Georgia’s parliamentary elections held on 26 October. They emphasized the need to address concerns about the integrity of the electoral process to restore public trust.
The Ministers stated that the Nordic countries have consistently supported Georgia’s aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration, grounded in shared fundamental values. However, the ministers expressed growing concern over recent policies and legislation enacted by the Georgian government, which they believe have strayed from the principles necessary for progress towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration.
“Policies pursued and legislation introduced by the Government of Georgia have increasingly deviated from a path consistent with the goal of European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Upholding the rule of law and democratic elections is integral to any progress on Georgia’s EU path,” the statement reads.
The ministers, including Lars Løkke Rasmussen of Denmark, Elina Valtonen of Finland, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir of Iceland, Espen Barth Eide of Norway, and Maria Malmer Stenergard of Sweden, pledged to closely monitor developments in Georgia and assess the government’s actions moving forward.
’’We sincerely hope to see Georgia return to a path that will lead it to its rightful place in the European and Euro-Atlantic family,” the statement reads.