Finnish FM warns of worsening situation in Georgia ahead of EU talks

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has expressed concern over the deteriorating political climate in Georgia, particularly the “growing pressure on civil society and pro-democracy actors.”

“Unfortunately, the situation in Georgia is becoming more and more difficult, especially for civil society and the free people of the country,” Valtonen said ahead of a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

Reaffirming the EU’s support for the Georgian public, Valtonen added, “Europe is always on the side of the people and supports their desire for democracy and the country’s European path. So the European Union stands by the Georgian people.”

EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss recent developments in Georgia, among other issues. Tensions between the Georgian government and its Western partners have particularly intensified last year, following the adoption of a controversial foreign transparency law and the Georgian Dream government’s decision to delay the country’s EU integration until 2028.