Lithuanian Parliament member Žygimantas Pavilionis on Monday criticized the Georgian government, accusing the Georgian Dream ruling party of making false promises regarding “guaranteed” European Union membership. Speaking at a press conference in Tbilisi after meeting with Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili, Pavilionis said, “the Georgian government cannot pass the test” for EU membership.
Pavilionis made his remarks in response to the delay in discussions about Georgia’s EU aspirations at the European Council. On November 8, he pointed out that 19 European parliaments had signed a declaration expressing concerns over Georgia’s lack of progress. He also emphasized that, in the context of an intergovernmental conference, a single veto could halt any progress. “When the GD promises you EU guarantees, they are simply lying,” Pavilionis added. He further noted that Georgia, once regarded as a “champion of European integration” following the Rose Revolution, no longer has time to secure such promises.
German Parliament Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Michael Roth, a member of the delegation, also expressed regret over the GD’s refusal to engage with the delegation, urging an end to “anti-Western rhetoric and false claims”.
The European Union has suspended Georgia’s EU accession process and halted contact with the Georgian government in light of these actions.
Following Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary elections, EU leaders have raised concerns over alleged electoral fraud, urging that any irregularities be thoroughly investigated.
