Georgia: EU funds must be frozen if the governing majority doesn’t withdraw Moscow-style law

The adoption of the so-called ‘transparency of foreign Influence’ law and the 'family values and protection of minors' legislation, as well as the abolishment of gender quotas in local and parliamentary elections, and the changes in formation of the Central Electoral Commission, by the Georgian Dream majority, are unacceptable.

In a resolution on democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia, initiated by Renew Europe and today debated in plenary, our political group calls for the EU funding provided to the Georgian Government to be frozen until these illiberal pieces of legislation are repealed. Strict conditions must be placed on the disbursement of any future funding to the Georgian Government.

This legislation is incompatible with European norms and values, damages Georgia’s reputation and jeopardises its EU accession efforts.

Speaking during today’s plenary debate, Renew Europe MEP Urmas Paet (Estonian Reform Party), said:

“In the recent years Georgia's current government has moved further away from the EU and increased Russia's direct influence on Georgia's choices. However, the majority of people in Georgia want to see their country's future in Europe. It is not yet too late for Georgia to change its course and, above all for the sake of its own people, show that Georgia is serious about its return to Europe.”