The EU summit on Thursday, October 17, announced the virtual suspension of Georgia’s admission process into the community due to “actions taken by the government” of the country.
“The European Council reaffirms the Union’s readiness to support the Georgian people on their European path. At the same time, it reiterates its serious concern about the course of action adopted by the Government of Georgia, which is contrary to the values and principles on which the European Union is based.” – says the final declaration of the summit.
The Council urged Georgia to carry out democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms in accordance with the basic principles of European integration. In addition, Brussels warned that it will “closely follow” the upcoming parliamentary elections in the republic.
Previously, on October 15, the British authorities decided to freeze dialogue with Georgia in the field of defense. British ambassador Garrett Ward He said planned high-level talks between defense ministers had also been cancelled.
Prior to this, on October 6, the European Union decided to suspend high-level meetings with Georgian leaders due to the hostile attitude of the country’s representatives towards the alliance.
Georgia’s relations with the United States and the EU worsened after the adoption of the law on foreign agents in May. president of georgia Salome Zurabishvili He vetoed it, but the deputies overrode it. The law went into effect on June 3. Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell He then stated that its adoption would negatively affect Georgia’s integration process into the EU.
The parliamentary elections in Georgia are scheduled for October 26, 2024. An electronic voting system will be used and candidates will be chosen according to party lists. Seats in the legislative body will be occupied by parties that obtain at least 5% of citizens’ votes, Izvestia reminds.
