Georgia to Lose Euro121.3 Million in EU Aid Due to Democratic Backsliding
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Georgia is set to lose Euro121.3 million in European Union aid due to concerns over democratic backsliding, according to the European Commission's financial allocations for 2022-2024. The EU is withholding or reallocating funds in response to the country's adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, also known as the Foreign Agents' Law, which targets Georgian civil society and media.
The distribution of withheld funds spans three years: Euro12 million in 2022, Euro72 million in 2023, and Euro37.3 million in 2024. The total loss of aid amounts to Euro121.3 million. The EU Delegation in Georgia clarified that funds not used in 2022 and 2023 will be lost, further impacting the country's financial support from the EU.
Nicholas Cendrowicz, Head of the Development and Cooperation Unit of the EU Delegation to Georgia, expressed disappointment at the situation, stating, "It's really sad that the democratic backsliding, hostile rhetoric, and disinformation have led to this. But Georgia can reverse this and return to the EU path, in line with the overwhelming desire of the Georgian people."
Gia Volski, the First Vice-Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, has called the European Union's decision to withhold Euro121.3 million in aid an "injustice."
Volski questioned the decision, saying, "Why? For what? This is some kind of injustice!" He defended Georgia's actions, asking, "What did we do? Where did we take a step back? Because we asked where the money is being spent?"
He went on to criticize the EU's attitude towards Georgia, stating that it is "unfair" and "cannot be taken into account," especially since, according to Volski, international ratings place Georgia as a leader in democracy and other areas.
