EU’s Marta Kos: Address Georgia’s democratic backsliding, expand engagement via Black Sea strategy

“What we are witnessing in Georgia is far from anything we expect from a candidate country. Georgia’s democratic foundations are being eroded by the day,” stated Marta Kos, the Commissioner for Enlargement, at the debate on the Georgia issue at the European Parliament plenary.

According to her, the authorities’ repressive actions run contrary to EU values and principles.

“The Georgian Dream regime has launched its most dramatic crackdown yet on the country’s pro-EU opposition and civil society. A number of opposition leaders have been jailed over the past weeks. Civil society and independent media are facing continued attacks. The authorities continue rolling out new repressive legislation without the due public consultations. The authorities’ repressive actions run contrary to EU values and principles.

The EU has an important role to play in providing a lifeline to Georgia’s civil society and independent media. Since the start of the crisis, the commission has already considerably stepped up efforts and is currently implementing projects, supporting civil society organisations that amount to over 46 million euros. Additional funding – 32 million will be made available shortly, following adoption by member states.

We have so serious challenge in how to ensure finances to the civil society organisations but to avoid further repression by the Georgian government. The latest repressive laws, notably the Foreign Agent Registration Act, the amendments to the Law on Grants, and to the Law on Broadcasting, will have a negative impact on our ability to deliver EU financial assistance. But, let me be clear, we are committed to finding the best ways for our support to reach Georgia’s civil society and media without endangering their safety,” Marta Kos has stated.

The EU Commissioner for Enlargement has also said that an additional 7 million euros will be allocated to fight disinformation campaigns against the EU and member states.

“You also know about disinformation campaigns and narratives against the EU and its member states; these attacks are simply not acceptable. In order to combat this disinformation, we are stepping up our communication efforts and an additional 7 million euros is set to be contracted by this autumn, upon approval by member states. These funds will be used to improve the Georgian public’s understanding of the EU and its integration path, and to enhance citizens’ access to accurate, diversified, and credible information. The people of Georgia are overwhelmingly in favour of a European future for their country. We must continue working together and show the Georgian people that we stand with them,” Marta Kos stated.

The Enlargement Commissioner also explained that next week, the Foreign Affairs Council will discuss the situation in Georgia, including possible next actions to address the Georgian Dream government’s repressive action, and all those responsible for violence and human rights violations.

“All options should remain on the table to respond to the current backsliding on the democratic standards, while keeping a possibility for engagement in interest-based policies beyond the enlargement framework, including in the context of the Black Sea Strategy and regional connectivity,” Marta Kos concluded.