EU Membership: Georgia Faces Critical Months, Says Blinken

EU Membership: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has issued a stark warning, emphasising the urgency and critical nature of this period for Georgia’s future within the Euro-Atlantic community.

This message was conveyed in Blinken’s congratulatory statement on the occasion of Georgia’s Independence Day.

In his statement, Secretary Blinken underscored the significance of the past year for the Georgian people, notably referencing Georgia’s achievement of candidate status for European Union membership. “The next few months will be decisive in making this opportunity a reality,” Blinken remarked.

Blinken reiterated that the United States remains steadfast in its support for the Georgian people’s aspirations toward a Euro-Atlantic future. He also urged Georgian leaders to “take the necessary steps to advance Georgia in the right direction.”

The preceding evening in Tbilisi saw a significant Freedom March in celebration of Georgia’s Independence Day. Participants in the march protested against the proposed law on “foreign agents”.

Freedom March in Georgia

The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, in an urgent opinion published on 21st May, “strongly recommended” that Georgia abandon the law in its current form.

However, Georgia’s ruling party dismissed the scathing assessment from the Venice Commission and pledged to proceed with the law’s enactment in the coming weeks.

Last week, the United States announced visa restrictions targeting individuals in Georgia deemed responsible for undermining democracy in the country.

The ruling party expressed outrage at these measures, labelling them as “blackmail that does not align with the spirit of strategic partnership.”

Georgia’s quest for EU membership has been a longstanding national ambition, reflecting its desire to anchor itself within the Euro-Atlantic community.

Achieving candidate status for EU membership marked a significant milestone in this journey, but the path ahead is fraught with challenges.

The proposed law on “foreign agents” has been a flashpoint in Georgian politics. Critics argue that the law is reminiscent of similar legislation in Russia, which has been used to stifle dissent and target non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and media outlets.

The ruling party, however, maintains that the law is necessary for transparency and national security.

The Venice Commission’s urgent recommendation to discard the law highlights the international concern over Georgia’s democratic trajectory.

The Commission’s findings echo the fears of many in Georgia who worry that the law could curtail civil liberties and undermine democratic institutions.

The US visa restrictions represent a significant escalation in international pressure on Georgia.

These measures are intended to penalise those deemed responsible for anti-democratic actions and signal a clear stance from Washington on the importance of democratic principles.

Read also:

International Condemnation of Georgian Parliament’s Foreign Agents Law

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