The News in Brief
Monday, September 2, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
HR/VP Borrell Says EU Extremely Concerned About Georgia's Trajectory
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, expressed the EU's "deep" and "growing" concern about Georgia's current trajectory during remarks at a press conference following the informal meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers on August 29, 2024, in Brussels.
"We briefly discussed the situation in Georgia. We are extremely, increasingly concerned about the trajectory of this country moving away from the European Union," stressed Josep Borrell.
The European Union has actively criticised the ruling Georgian Dream party for its adoption of the Foreign Agents Law, increased anti-Western rhetoric, and anti-democratic actions. The EU has stated on several occasions that it is keeping all options open to respond to GD's decisions. Due to the government's anti-democratic actions, the EU has halted Georgia's accession process. It has also frozen EUR 30 million from the European Peace Facility (EPF) earmarked for the Georgian Ministry of Defense."
MEP Anna Fotyga Visits Georgia, Pays Tribute to Lech Kaczynski
MEP Anna Fotyga arrived in Georgia, where she honoured the memory of Lech Kaczynski, the late President of Poland who died in an air crash. Speaking with journalists, Fotyga emphasised that the main purpose of her visit is to show support for the Georgian people and demonstrate that they are not alone.
Addressing the current political situation in Georgia, Fotyga stressed the importance of political parties as vital guarantees of democracy. She stated that any restrictions on their activities are unacceptable and hinder the democratic development of the country.
"People outside of Georgia are concerned about the events unfolding here. On one hand, we are trying to assist the Georgian people, and on the other, we aim to guide Georgia towards a Western direction.
It is very difficult for us to make this decision, but we will closely monitor the situation in the country both before and after the elections. If nothing changes, sanctions will be imposed," she said.
HR/VP Borrell Says EU Extremely Concerned About Georgia's Trajectory
"We briefly discussed the situation in Georgia. We are extremely, increasingly concerned about the trajectory of this country moving away from the European Union," stressed Josep Borrell.
The European Union has actively criticised the ruling Georgian Dream party for its adoption of the Foreign Agents Law, increased anti-Western rhetoric, and anti-democratic actions. The EU has stated on several occasions that it is keeping all options open to respond to GD's decisions. Due to the government's anti-democratic actions, the EU has halted Georgia's accession process. It has also frozen EUR 30 million from the European Peace Facility (EPF) earmarked for the Georgian Ministry of Defense."
MEP Anna Fotyga Visits Georgia, Pays Tribute to Lech Kaczynski
Addressing the current political situation in Georgia, Fotyga stressed the importance of political parties as vital guarantees of democracy. She stated that any restrictions on their activities are unacceptable and hinder the democratic development of the country.
"People outside of Georgia are concerned about the events unfolding here. On one hand, we are trying to assist the Georgian people, and on the other, we aim to guide Georgia towards a Western direction.
It is very difficult for us to make this decision, but we will closely monitor the situation in the country both before and after the elections. If nothing changes, sanctions will be imposed," she said.