EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski Discusses Upcoming Elections and EU-Georgia Relations
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
On October 22, at an event organized by the Social Justice Center and CRRC-Georgia, EU Ambassador to Georgia H.E. Pawel Herczynski addressed the upcoming elections and the state of EU-Georgian relations. The event highlighted findings on judicial oversight of covert surveillance measures in Georgia and the government's promotion of anti-Western narratives on social media.
Ambassador Herczynski underscored the European Union's commitment to fostering civilian oversight of the security sector in Georgia, an essential step outlined in the European Commission's nine steps for progress. "Security sector reform is a long-term process requiring everyone to cooperate, especially regarding parliamentary and judicial oversight of security forces," he noted. "Unfortunately, in the case of Georgia, there is still a lot to be done."
The Ambassador described elections as a "festival of democracy," urging citizens to participate actively. "Please go out, please vote, and please choose a government that would represent your desires, your wishes, your aspirations," he emphasized. He expressed pride in witnessing the large turnout at a rally held on October 20, where he saw numerous flags and many young people advocating for their future. "Young people deserve a better future; they should not have to seek opportunities elsewhere," he stated, reaffirming the importance of creating a conducive environment for youth in Georgia.
Reflecting on EU-Georgia relations, Herczynski expressed his disappointment that ties are at a "historic low" and that the EU integration process has stalled due to the current government's actions. He urged citizens to make their voices heard, pointing to the recent European referendum in Moldova as an example of how each vote can be decisive in shaping a country's future.
"Every country that has joined the European Union has had the opportunity for significant advancement. I sincerely hope that this will also be the case for Georgia. However, it is up to you. The decision lies with you," he stressed. Herczynski reassured attendees that the EU has opened its doors for Georgia but emphasized that the responsibility to step through those doors lies with the Georgian people.
When asked about the EU's plans to cooperate with the ruling Georgian Dream party in the event of its electoral victory, the Ambassador responded, "The European Union will respect whatever choice is made by the Georgian people. It is not for the EU to make political decisions before, during, or after elections. I have full trust in the choice of the Georgian people. Provided the elections are free and fair, we will respect the outcome and work with any democratically elected government of Georgia."
