European Union: Germany and France concerned about situation in Georgia

Germany and France have expressed “deep concern” about the situation in Georgia. A statement released said both countries noted with deep regret the decision of the Georgian government and ruling party to deviate from the European path. The background is the adoption of a controversial law to restrict foreign influence on civil society in Georgia. Georgia has had candidate status in the EU since the end of last year.

The Franco-German statement said: “Our two countries have always supported Georgia’s European path and actively supported the decision of the European Council of December 2023 to grant candidate status.” With regard to the controversial law, it is said that the Georgian government and ruling party acted against common European values ​​and aspirations of the Georgian population. “Georgia’s European path is mapped out – but Georgia decides at what speed and direction it moves forward.”

Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili vetoed the law passed by parliament. The president, who is considered pro-European, described the law on Saturday as “Russian in its essence and spirit.” However, your veto can be overruled by Parliament.

The law on restricting foreign influence on civil society in Georgia was passed in third reading by the parliament in Tbilisi at the beginning of the week, despite weeks of massive protests by tens of thousands of people in Tbilisi. The law is intended to limit foreign influence on non-governmental organizations. Accountability will be tightened for aid organizations and independent media that receive more than 20 percent of their money from abroad.