EU summit: Accession process with Georgia "de facto" put on hold
Georgia received the status of an EU membership candidate only in December. Since then, the government has brought a series of laws that are considered not in line with European values. The law passed in June despite mass protests against "foreign influence" is seen by Brussels as a gag for government-critical media and organizations. A Russian law against "foreign agents" serves as a model.
The actions of the Georgian government are a "step back" considering the requirements of the EU Commission in the accession process, declared the 27 heads of state and government. The European Council urged Georgian authorities to clearly adopt a pro-European stance.
The declaration was adopted unanimously. However, opinions differ on the assessment of the situation in Georgia. "The Georgian government is doing well. The economy is improving," said Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, before the summit. "I therefore think they are on the right track."
- Despite Georgia's EU membership candidate status achieved in December, the EU summit expressed concern over the recent laws passed in Tbilisi, such as the one in June, which are perceived as contradicting European values and potentially limiting freedom of the press.
- The EU summit: acknowledging Georgia's progress in the accession procedure, strongly encouraged the Georgian authorities to align more closely with EU principles, particularly in regard to media freedom and government transparency.
- The Georgian government's actions during the EU summit were under scrutiny due to concerns about "foreign influence" and the passing of legislation reminiscent of the Russian "foreign agents" law, which should ideally not be replicated in Tbilisi.
- Criticism of Georgia's development was not unanimous at the EU summit, as Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary voiced his support for the Georgian government, asserting that their actions have been beneficial for the country's economy and in line with the right path toward EU membership.
