“What is going on in Georgia, the level of violence, the level of brutality is absolutely unacceptable. People can have different opinions, this is all part of every democracy, but violence, brutality is absolutely unacceptable,” EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski said in response to the events in Georgia over the past 12 days.
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According to Herczynski, the EU is shocked by the violence and stands with the people of Georgia, who aspire to a better future and the country’s accession to the EU.
“Last week, I was in Brussels and had the opportunity to speak with 27 EU ambassadors. I also met with my new colleagues following the change in leadership within the EU institutions. On Monday, December 16, the EU foreign ministers will meet to discuss the situation in Georgia. The issue of Georgia will also be addressed again at the end of next week at the level of EU heads of state and government.
Let's see what happens next week. I think most of us in the EU capitals, as well as in the EU institutions, have reached a stage in which we have to act. The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said that there will be consequences. Let's see what results will be agreed by member states on Monday," the EU ambassador said, adding that all measures are under consideration.
"I have always been very clear with you when it comes to sanctions policy, it is very difficult, for the European Union because we need the unanimity of 27 member states, however,
what has been happening in Georgia over the last 12 days clearly calls for sanctions, and I know that work ongoing already to prepare sanctions,
if we will reach unanimity, this depends on all 27 capitals. I think, I hope it will be very difficult for any EU capital to disregard the level of violence, the level of brutality. Let's see on Monday if the sanctions will be introduced for sure the preparation work is already ongoing," the diplomat stated.
According to Pawel Herczynski, one option under consideration is suspending the visa-free regime for Georgia:
"We will see what member states decide,
These are options to have a suspension of visa-free on certain categories of passports. We have always said that we do not want to harm the population, we do not want to punish people who are manifesting their dedication to EU values, who are on the streets in Tbilisi and many other cities, waving Georgian flags and European Union flags, but the authorities who are responsible for the violence, brutality, we can not keep silence, member states will discuss this on Monday and hopefully already on Monday there will be a decision taken," the ambassador said.
Herczynski emphasized that freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental principles of the European Union, which is why he condemns the violence occurring on the streets of Tbilisi.
"It is absolutely unacceptable, especially when it is directed at media representatives, any media representatives that should be allowed to carry on their duties, their job freely. Personally, I'm really shocked, many young people have been beaten, brutally beaten, for waving Georgian flags. This is truly heartbreaking, and I hope that this unparalleled level of violence will stop immediately," the EU ambassador said.
The protests were sparked by the Georgian government’s decision not to include the issue of opening EU accession negotiations on the agenda until the end of 2028, a move widely regarded as illegitimate. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in response.
