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Opening remarks

Gracias, querido presidente.  

Aprovecho esta oportunidad para expresar públicamente mi dolor por la catástrofe de su querida Valencia. Espero que entre todos podamos contribuir a reconstruir este bonito lugar, esta bonita región, esta bonita ciudad.

Honourable Members of the European Parliament,

On the 26th of October, more than two million Georgian citizens cast their vote to elect a new parliament. These elections were unfortunately marked by serious irregularities, with violations reported both during the electoral campaign and on the Election Day itself.

I want to take the opportunity of this debate, first of all, to extend my sincere gratitude to this house, the delegation of seven Members of the European Parliament, representing five countries and five political groups, who participated in the international election observation mission. Your delegation provided critical insights into the climate of intimidation and pressure that marked the electoral process.

Let me state this loud and clear from the start: these elections fall short of the standards expected of a country holding European Union candidate status.

The ruling party benefitted from an uneven level playing field. It used its substantial resources and instrumentalised the fear of war, positioning itself as the only political force able to ensure stability and peace. The regime also spread disinformation, claiming that Georgia was progressing on its European Union path, and suppressed dissent. These tactics proved successful against the opposition, who remained relatively fragmented and lacked similar resources.

Following the elections, several thousands of Georgian citizens gathered in peaceful demonstrations, voicing their dissatisfaction with the results and the conduct of the elections. Many of them, were waiving the European [Union] flag. And when we see the European flag in the hands of protesters, we know that this is also about us, not only about them.

In the aftermath of these pivotal moments, I would like – on behalf of the European Commission – to underline three key points on the European response:

Firstly, since June, the European Union has responded decisively to the democratic backsliding in Georgia. In coordination with Member States, we have downgraded political contacts and suspended critical assistance: €30 million under the European Peace Facility assistance and €121 million in direct assistance to the Government. Georgia’s accession process has also, as a result, been effectively halted.

These measures will remain in place until the authorities change their course of action. At the same time, we will continue our unwavering support to Georgian civil society and independent media, which remain their – as it is the case with us – fundamental pillars of democracy.  

Secondly, in the aftermath of the elections, the European Union has made its position clear through strong public statements, calling on the Georgian authorities to address the serious irregularities reported. My colleague, [High Representative/Vice-President] Josep Borrell has already included the issue of Georgian elections on the agenda of the next Foreign Affairs Council next Monday. This will provide an opportunity to discuss further steps and agree on potential additional measures.

Finally, thirdly, any future re-engagement with the Georgian leadership will be underpinned by clear and strict conditions, also outlined in our Commission’s enlargement report. The Government must recommit to the reform agenda, including the implementation of the nine steps identified by the Commission. It must also cease disinformation, fake news and anti-European Union hatred rhetoric. Specific measures are non-negotiable: the foreign influence law and the so-called ‘family values law’ must be repealed.   

Without repealing these laws and implementing democratic reforms, it will be impossible for Georgia to progress on the accession path.

There is no alternative to Georgia’s European path. The conditions are out there and are clear: democracy and the rule of law. The sooner this is understood in Tblisi, the better.

Thank you.  

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Closing remarks  

Thank you, President, Honourable Members,

The people of Georgia have been demonstrating for months their deep commitment to democracy, democratic values and their aspiration for the country to advance along the European Union path. Their determination and resilience deserve our steadfast support.

The Georgian people’s compass to the polls were our common European values. The same values as we saw expressed previously in Maidan, in Warsaw, in Chișinău, in Bucharest. And, maybe, the friends of Putin do not like this, but every European flag on the streets of Tblisi, every voice raised by each protester, is mirroring our models of society; our European democracy; our European foundations; our European way of life; the European rule of law – the light of hope against oppression.

I want to be clear: while measures taken by the European Union address the undemocratic actions of a government, our support to the European aspirations of the people of Georgia will continue.

The irregularities observed during the 26 October parliamentary elections are undeniable. As a European Union candidate country, Georgia has to show its commitment to democracy, starting with full transparency in the election process. The enlargement report, recently adopted by the Commission, provides a clear pathway for re-engagement, but it clearly requires a genuine political will from Georgia’s leadership.

The door of the European Union is open and we will be looking for clear signs of commitments, both in words and in actions.  

Thank you.
 
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