German Ambassador Warns of Crisis in German-Georgian Relations and Stalled EU Integration
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, November 28, 2024
The German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, described German-Georgian relations as being in crisis, citing Georgia's stalled EU accession process, controversial government policies, and their impact on the country's economy and investment appeal.
In an interview with the UN Global Compact Network Georgia, Fischer called the relationship "an impasse", criticizing the Georgian government for failing to meet the EU's nine conditions for candidate status. He noted that the EU's decision to grant candidate status was a "sign of love and affection", but accused Georgia of backsliding since then. Fischer highlighted moves such as the reintroduction of the Foreign Agents law and anti-LGBTQ legislation as being in "gross contradiction" with EU values.
Fischer also condemned accusations by the Georgian government against Germany and the EU, including claims of promoting "liberal fascism" or attempting to drag Georgia into the war in Ukraine.
The Ambassador underscored that the EU accession process has come to a standstill, contradicting the Georgian government's claims that the process is ongoing. Referring to EU decisions from June and October, he said, "The leaders of the European Union decided and wrote down in their decision that the accession process has come to a halt. The candidate doesn't decide. So it's halted, and if you ask me, I don't see it coming back on track in the near future."
Fischer also criticized the conduct of Georgia's October 26 elections, which he described as incompatible with EU standards. He warned of the risk that Georgia might miss its opportunity for EU integration entirely.
The Ambassador highlighted the economic fallout of Georgia's stalled EU integration. Despite the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) in place since 2016, Fischer noted minimal growth in Georgian exports to the EU due to non-compliance with EU standards, such as agricultural regulations.
He emphasized the EU's appeal as a structured, safe, and prosperous market that attracts investment, noting that closer alignment with EU frameworks could boost Georgia's business prospects. Conversely, he warned that drifting away from the EU undermines investor confidence, citing examples such as Heidelberg Cement's withdrawal from Georgia.
Fischer pointed to broader economic risks, including the weakening of Georgia's currency, youth emigration, stock market instability, and lost investment opportunities.
"This crisis in EU-Georgia relations," Fischer said, "is not just a political issue-it's a missed economic opportunity for the people of Georgia."
