Bundestag Submits Motion Supporting Georgia's Path to the EU
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, October 11, 2024
The Bundestag is set to debate a motion tabled by the SPD, Alliance 90/The Greens, and FDP parliamentary groups. The motion calls for decisive action to preserve Georgia's democratic trajectory amidst growing concerns about the country's "authoritarian" drift under the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The motion acknowledges Georgia's progress since the 2003 Rose Revolution, crediting its vibrant civil society for advancing democratic values and drawing closer to the EU. However, it warns that the current government's authoritarian tendencies threaten to derail these achievements, putting the country's EU candidacy at risk.
One of the key issues raised is the recent adoption of the controversial "Foreign Agents Law," which critics argue is modeled on Russia's foreign agents legislation. The law imposes strict transparency requirements on civil society and media organizations receiving foreign funding, stoking fears of censorship and repression. The Bundestag motion asserts that as long as this law remains in force, Georgia's progress toward EU integration will be effectively frozen. It also emphasizes that the law contradicts two key reform priorities agreed with the EU-ensuring civil society's independence and countering disinformation.
The Bundestag highlights that EU integration is enshrined in Georgia's Constitution, specifically in Article 78, and that the Georgian people have consistently demonstrated their commitment to a European future. However, the motion expresses deep concern that the Georgian government's actions are undermining this goal. It notes the overwhelming public protests against the "Foreign Agents Law" and affirms solidarity with the peaceful demonstrators.
The Bundestag also stresses the importance of free and fair elections in Georgia, particularly in light of the upcoming parliamentary elections in October 2024. It raises concerns about recent changes to the electoral system that may favor the ruling party and the government's intimidation of civil society and opposition figures.
The motion calls on the German Federal Government to take a series of actions to safeguard Georgia's democratic future and uphold its EU accession process:
EU Accession Freeze: Advocate at the European level to halt further progress in Georgia's EU accession until the "Foreign Agents Law" is repealed.
Support for Free Elections: Ensure that international election observers, including those from the OSCE and Council of Europe, are supported in monitoring Georgia's parliamentary elections.
Protect Civil Society: Urge Georgia to stop the intimidation and persecution of civil society, journalists, LGBTQIA+ communities, and opposition politicians.
LGBTQIA+ Rights: Make the repeal of discriminatory laws against LGBTQIA+ people a condition for further EU accession discussions.
Sanctions and Human Rights: Intensify scrutiny of Georgia's adherence to democratic norms and consider targeted sanctions if violations continue.
Russia's Influence: Reaffirm Germany's support for Georgia's territorial integrity and condemn Russia's ongoing occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
The motion concludes by reaffirming that Georgia's European future is still within reach, but it is up to the country's leaders to align their policies with the democratic aspirations of the Georgian people. The Bundestag emphasizes that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be a crucial moment for determining Georgia's future direction.
