EU Ambassador Warns Georgia of Potential Sanctions Over Democracy Concerns
In a recent statement, EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski cautioned Georgia that its ties with the European Union could suffer, and sanctions could be imposed if the country strays from democratic principles. Herczynski emphasized that the EU is willing to collaborate with any democratically elected government in Georgia but will not tolerate a "one-party state" without political opposition.
The EU had granted candidate status to Georgia last year as a step towards potential membership. However, relations have deteriorated following the passage of a controversial "foreign agent" law by the ruling Georgian Dream party, which critics view as a shift towards Russia and away from the West.
Herczynski revealed that EU representatives have not engaged with the Georgian government since June due to what he described as an "unfriendly" stance towards the EU. He also mentioned discussions among EU member states about addressing the anti-Western and anti-European sentiments expressed by Georgia's government.
If the upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia are not deemed free, fair, and peaceful, the EU may consider suspending its visa-free regime with the country temporarily. The passage of the foreign agent law has sparked significant protests and political turmoil in Georgia, leading to strained relations with both Brussels and Washington.
Overall, the warning from the EU ambassador underscores the importance of upholding democratic values and respecting international norms for countries like Georgia aspiring to deepen their ties with the European Union. Failure to adhere to these standards could have serious consequences, including sanctions and a setback in the country's EU accession process. It is crucial for Georgia to address these concerns and prioritize democratic governance to maintain its standing in the global community and secure its economic and political future.