Members of the German Bundestag on Wednesday announced a significant shift in their financial commitments to Georgia, stating that no new financial obligations will be undertaken.
Additionally, they warned that Georgia’s path to European Union integration could be suspended if a controversial foreign influence law remains in force.
Robin Wagener, the coordinator of the German federal government on inter-community cooperation in the South Caucasus, the Republic of Moldova, and Central Asian countries, and a representative of the Greens, reiterated this stance during a press conference in Tbilisi.
Wagener emphasized that Germany would review existing projects to determine their beneficiaries, acknowledging the strong desire of Georgian citizens to join the European Union, as evidenced by their street protests against recent legislation.
“It is crucial to distinguish who the sanctions target when discussing the suspension of visa liberalization. We recognize that Georgians aspire to be part of the European Union, and we want them to experience what it means to be in the EU. Thus, suspending visa liberalization would not be the appropriate response,” Wagener remarked.
He also criticized the “Russian-influenced law”, stating that its enforcement would close the door to the European Union for Georgia.
Wagener stressed that this sentiment was shared not only by the German government but also by the European Commission.
“If the transparency law remains in force, there will be no further steps towards EU integration. This is the stance of both the German government and the European Council,” he noted.
The press conference highlighted Germany’s cautious stance on financial engagements with Georgia and reinforced the importance of aligning with EU standards and values for future cooperation.
