Estonian Ambassador Discusses Impact of 'Foreign Agents' Law on Relations with Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, June 20, 2024
In an interview with Interpressnews, Estonian Ambassador Riina Kaljurand stated that due to a newly adopted "Foreign Agents" law, Estonia will be unable to continue its usual activities with Georgia. She emphasized that this move directly opposes the advice given to Georgia by Western countries.
Kaljurand mentioned that the issue extends beyond this single law, pointing out that other laws are also controversial and contrary to the European Union's value system. She suggested that while non-governmental organizations and the government may face challenging discussions, these should be resolved through means other than repressive measures.
"There should be no talk of punishment. It shouldn't be stigmatizing because that's what we're seeing here. If we want to be a member of the European Union as a protector of human rights, civil liberties, and all those freedoms that we value so much, we all have to play by the rules.
It is a pity that the government of Georgia claims to be getting closer to the European Union, but their actions do not support this. You cannot promise people something that is not within your power to promise, such as becoming a member of the European Union by 2030. That decision depends on us, the member states.
We also went through the process of joining the European Union and never questioned such criteria. I think Estonia may be a bit more sensitive about this issue because we now know that the requirements for aspirant countries are always higher than for existing members," said Kaljurand to Interpressnews.
According to the Estonian ambassador to Georgia, EU member states cannot always make compromises whenever a government adopts any kind of law.
"The EU as a whole can protect all member states only if we all follow the same rules. You cannot come and say, 'I want to become a member of the club, but I have my own rules'. It doesn't work that way. Unfortunately, some events can be quite painful for the public as well.
No one wants to punish society, but we must show that this is the result of not following the rules of the game. With 85% of the population aspiring to join the European Union, the Georgian government has an obligation to fulfill the wishes of its people and play by the rules," said the Estonian ambassador.
In the interview, Kaljurand also discussed the suspension of visa-free travel for Georgia by the European Union, stating that while this should never happen, it is a real tool.
"The EU is a set of rules, a way of life, not a charity. If this way of life and these values are unacceptable for any reason, the EU also has the right to change this privileged relationship.
It has nothing to do with the people, although people will be hurt. However, ultimately, people will have a choice. Elections are approaching, and it is up to the Georgian people.
A visa suspension should never be implemented, but it is a real tool. It can change because it's a technical issue. It only requires a majority (qualitative majority) vote, and Estonia has put this issue on the agenda as an option. We do not know whether it will have the support of other member states, but we see that this is one of the realistic options available.
This is not against the Georgian people, but it is something that arose as a result of the policy of the Georgian government," stated the Estonian ambassador to Georgia.
