On December 16, EU foreign ministers will discuss ongoing processes in Georgia. Important decisions are expected to be made regarding both sanctions and Georgia’s relations with the EU. Until then, we’ll summarize recent positions shared by Western partners or their high-ranking government representatives.
On December 10, Michael Roth, Chairman of the Bundestag Foreign Affairs Committee, addressed EU leaders and called on them to personally visit and familiarize themselves with the situation in Georgia: “What do you say, finally, that one of you get on a plane and fly to Tbilisi. Dear Ursula von der Leyen, Kaja Kallas, Marta Kos, Antonio Costa” – Roth stated. According to him, demonstrators are fighting not for additional privileges but to save European values.
On December 9, EU Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński stated that violence by Georgian authorities clearly demands sanctions. “Events taking place in Georgia over the last 12 days clearly demand sanctions. However, unanimity of 27 EU member states is needed,” – noted Herchinski. The EU Ambassador additionally indicates that preparatory work for sanctions is ongoing, and if member states agree, “this could include suspension of visa-free regime.” However, the ambassador clarified once again that they don’t want to harm people who faithfully defend EU values through peaceful protests in Tbilisi and other cities.
On December 7, Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Poland harshly assessed policies implemented by Georgian authorities. According to them, “Georgian Dream’s” steps clearly contradict European aspirations provided for in Georgia’s constitution. They negatively assessed disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters, as well as persecution of opposition and media representatives. “We call on ‘Georgian Dream’ to defuse tensions and open inclusive dialogue with all political forces and civil society representatives. We remind you that it was ‘Georgian Dream’s’ course of action since early 2024 that caused de facto suspension of EU membership process and which, in turn, led to deterioration of our relations with Georgia,” – states the declaration.
On December 9, United Kingdom’s Foreign Office stated that Britain will cease cooperation with Georgia’s government until violence stops and democratic processes are restored in the country. “Shocking scenes of violence by Georgian authorities against protesters and journalists are unacceptable and must stop. These actions damage Georgia’s international positions and contradict Georgia’s constitutional obligation towards European future.” – states Minister for Commonwealth and Development David Lammy’s declaration.
Harsh assessments are also coming from the USA:
According to information released on December 5, US Embassy in Georgia categorically condemns violence carried out by “Georgian Dream” against journalists and citizens. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that USA is ready to use sanctions against those who facilitate violence and hinder democratic process in Georgia. “The United States is preparing to use sanctions and hold accountable those individuals who facilitate violence in Georgia” – stated Blinken.
Democratic Senator from Maryland and Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ben Cardin states in an interview with “Voice of America” that there should be measures against those who continue violence in Georgia. “I think you will see measures from the United States against those who commit this violence in Georgia. The will of the people is not being fulfilled, this must have response everywhere,” – states Ben Cardin.
Prominent Republican Congressman Joe Wilson believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is the main culprit in recent events in Georgia. He noted that Tbilisi must become free and independent again. He also emphasized courage of Georgia’s President Salome Zurabishvili. “Wonderful people live in Georgia, I’m proud of Georgian President’s courage. Everyone should support them” – states Wilson.
Hundreds of business representatives, tens of thousands of citizens continue to protest systemic violence, torture and halting of European integration process. As of December 10, according to information received through the hotline of 11 Georgian non-governmental sector organizations since November 28, more than 460 peaceful protesters have been detained, of which more than 300 were subjected to torture and ill-treatment during and after detention. The age of detained persons ranges from 15 to 60 years. Along with men, women and children were also detained.
Parallel to the protest, at least 3500 public servants or employees of budgetary institutions have joined statements distributed by various groups, where they condemn violence and halting of European integration process.
