“I am categorically against any conditional recognition of the Georgian delegation’s credentials in the Council of Europe. I do not believe this is the right position,” stated Eka Sepashvili, a member of the Georgian Parliament and the permanent delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). She also serves as the International Relations Secretary for the “People’s Power” party.

According to Sepashvili, the issue of recognizing the Georgian delegation’s credentials in the Council of Europe has become highly problematic and has led to significant disagreements.

“There are very active opponents, particularly among representatives of the European People’s Party, who have been especially aggressive. This is not surprising. However, there are also those who ardently support Georgia and its stance. It has been mentioned multiple times in meetings, as I have also pointed out, that the Council of Europe is not an organization for implementing punitive measures. Instead, it is designed to provide a platform for cooperation, where European countries can share experiences and best practices to help strengthen democracy and enhance human rights protections.

Today, there was a second session of the monitoring committee where the issue of granting or not granting credentials to the Georgian delegation was discussed. Of course, I cannot share specifics about this session due to its confidential nature. I can say that Tea Tsulukiani, as the head of the delegation and representative of the ruling team, was invited to the session, along with Tina Bokuchava representing the radical opposition. I reminded those present that before reaching a decision, they must consider the fact that 20% of Georgia’s territory is currently occupied by the Russian Federation, and our fellow citizens living in these areas are held hostage by Russia, which has repeatedly exploited them for various purposes. The population there faces restricted access to education in their native language, as well as severe limitations on their basic rights and freedom of movement. I emphasized these factors to the committee members and expressed my surprise that the amendment we had prepared regarding this issue was not included in the report, despite our request. I mention the issue of occupation and Russia because our government faces accusations of being an ally of Russia, as if we are pursuing a Russian agenda and turning away from Europe. These are the main allegations we encounter.

Our amendment aimed to document the realities of the Russian occupation. My statement served as a reminder that we are a country with no diplomatic relations with Russia, one that continues to resist Russian occupation and has won cases related to this issue in three international courts.

I am adamantly against the recognition of credentials with conditions. I do not consider this to be the correct stance. I have articulated this position at various sessions, including the monitoring session. In any country, violations can easily be identified, whether related to human rights, electoral processes, or even excessive use of force by police. This applies to Germany, France, Bulgaria, Romania, or any other nation. Should the Council of Europe expel a country or suspend its credentials for such violations? I am not in favour of this; it contradicts the founding principles of the organization. While the organization should respond to violations, it should seek to address them through dialogue, open relationships, and constructive recommendations, rather than punitive measures. Such an approach would lead us astray.

Today it might be Georgia; tomorrow it could be another country, and the day after that yet another. What then? Should the Council of Europe cease to function because of its punitive measures? This approach is fundamentally flawed. I oppose any conditional recognition, yet Georgia will continue to fulfil its obligations and commitments related to our membership in the Council of Europe as well as our European integration path and obligations under the Association Agreement.

European integration is the choice of our people, who have repeatedly expressed their trust in us and tasked us with pursuing concrete steps toward this goal,” concluded Eka Sepashvili.