The document notes that Georgia was granted EU candidate status in December 2023, contingent upon fulfilling nine steps outlined by the European Commission. However, a recent law similar to the Russian "foreign agents" law has been adopted, which has halted the country's Euro-integration efforts.
"Based on the public support for the pro-European course from the majority of the Georgian people, and our countries: Germany, France, Poland, as well as Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, we have been steadfast supporters of Georgia from the very beginning. Now, we share concerns and urge Georgia to ensure the free and fair conduct of the upcoming elections," the document states.
The European Affairs Ministers who signed the statement emphasized the importance of understanding that the EU is not merely an economic union, a trade union, a security alliance, or a social union. They also pointed out that "the unprecedented" anti-Western rhetoric from Georgian politicians in the ruling party "Georgian Dream" constitutes "propaganda, disinformation, blatant lies, and slander against Georgia's Western partners."
The statement highlights that the EU expects Georgia to conduct free and fair elections.
"We hope that this will be a choice in favor of Georgia's European future. The choice is yours. Georgia's future is in your hands!" the document concludes.