Georgia's EU candidate status, funding under scrutiny: MEPs demand action

Georgia's EU candidate status, funding under scrutiny: MEPs demand action

Over 30 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have jointly addressed Vice-President of the European Commission and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Joseph Borrell, regarding developments in Georgia over the controversial foreign transparency bill. 


In their letter on Tuesday, they called for urgent action to address what they saw as a troubling trend of “undemocratic behavior” by Georgian authorities.


MEPs claimed ongoing “undemocratic actions” by the Georgian government, particularly their “aggressive push” for legislation “akin to Russian-style laws” on foreign agents and the use of force against peaceful protestors, had crossed a critical threshold.


The behavior, they argued, had significantly escalated tensions and deepened societal divisions within Georgia, which they said directly contradicted the commitments made by the government upon being granted EU candidate status last year.


"We urge for decisive action to be taken, sending a clear message to Georgian authorities," the letter continued.


The MEPs outlined three key measures they believe should be implemented.


Firstly, they proposed the suspension of Georgia's candidate status within the EU accession process, citing the government's failure to uphold its obligations.


Secondly, they called for a thorough review of EU funding allocated to the Georgian state budget and government programs.


Lastly, they emphasized the need for an immediate mid-term evaluation of Georgia's progress in implementing the nine steps outlined for accession talks with Tbilisi. 


The MEPs concluded their appeal by reaffirming their commitment to supporting the Georgian people's aspirations to join the European Union, underlining that adherence to democratic principles remained paramount for all candidate countries.





Over 30 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have jointly addressed Vice-President of the European Commission and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Joseph Borrell, regarding developments in Georgia over the controversial foreign transparency bill. 


In their letter on Tuesday, they called for urgent action to address what they saw as a troubling trend of “undemocratic behavior” by Georgian authorities.


MEPs claimed ongoing “undemocratic actions” by the Georgian government, particularly their “aggressive push” for legislation “akin to Russian-style laws” on foreign agents and the use of force against peaceful protestors, had crossed a critical threshold.


The behavior, they argued, had significantly escalated tensions and deepened societal divisions within Georgia, which they said directly contradicted the commitments made by the government upon being granted EU candidate status last year.


"We urge for decisive action to be taken, sending a clear message to Georgian authorities," the letter continued.


The MEPs outlined three key measures they believe should be implemented.


Firstly, they proposed the suspension of Georgia's candidate status within the EU accession process, citing the government's failure to uphold its obligations.


Secondly, they called for a thorough review of EU funding allocated to the Georgian state budget and government programs.


Lastly, they emphasized the need for an immediate mid-term evaluation of Georgia's progress in implementing the nine steps outlined for accession talks with Tbilisi. 


The MEPs concluded their appeal by reaffirming their commitment to supporting the Georgian people's aspirations to join the European Union, underlining that adherence to democratic principles remained paramount for all candidate countries.