Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, stated that the Georgian government is distancing the country from the European Union.
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"It is the second time in a row - after the May Foreign Affairs Council - that we have discussed worrying political developments in Georgia, including the adoption of this law on “transparency of foreign influence”. We have to [express] regret that there is widespread disinformation about the European Union and its values – coming also from official actors. We heard Georgian voices at the highest level surprisingly stating that this law is bringing the country closer to the European Union. I want to be clear: No. No, this law and all the negative developments around it are pushing Georgia away from the European Union. I cannot be more clear and more concise [on this]. This is pushing Georgia away from the European Union. This statement is being supported by 26 out of 27 Member [States]. There is no unanimity, but we do not need unanimity to make a political evaluation of the situation.
We understand that these dynamics go against the will of the overwhelming majority of the Georgian population. The overwhelming majority of the [EU Foreign] Ministers today has been very clear that the Georgia government is bringing the country away from the European Union. And if the government will not change the course of action, Georgia will not progress on its European Union path. I can say that louder but not clearer. If the government does not change the course of action, Georgia will not progress on the European Union path.
In parallel, we will increase our support to civil society and the media. We will counter disinformation and increase support to the electoral process," Borrell said at the press conference after the meeting of foreign ministers.
He also stated that the ministers of foreign affairs of the EU member states will continue to observe the situation in Georgia and will take necessary measures.
“We will downgrade our political contacts in reaching out to Georgia. We will reconsider putting on hold our financial assistance to the government, and we will reconsider our support from the European Peace Facility.
This can be done immediately, but we will continue looking at the situation and take more measures in case of further deterioration," Borrell said, stressing that they stand by the Georgian people, supporting their choices for a European future.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, claims that after the adoption of the Russian law, the chances of opening negotiations on joining the European Union increased by 20-30%. "Before the initiation of the law, there was zero chance of opening negotiations," Kobakhidze told reporters on June 17.
