The EU plans to halt Georgia's pathway to membership.
Georgia implemented a debated foreign interference law at the start of the month, sparking widespread demonstrations. The EU perceives this as a gag order on media and organizations critical of the government, with Russia's law against "foreign agents" as a template.
European foreign ministers are currently discussing potential repercussions in Luxembourg. As stated by Borrell, Europe could potentially withdraw financial assistance from the Georgian government and security forces, or suspend high-level engagements. There were also talks about travel bans for government officials, mimicking the U.S. approach. However, Borrell stated that no decisions were expected on Monday.
Georgia has been an official EU membership candidate since December, with EU membership enshrined in the country's constitution and backed by over 80% of the population, as per surveys. Both EU membership and the foreign influence law have stirred public sentiment, with thousands protesting for and against the legislation.
The law mandates that organizations and media receiving at least 20% of their funding from foreign sources must register as foreign agents in Georgia, working for the "interests of foreign powers". They will also be subject to increased scrutiny.
Read also:
- Amidst the EU's consideration of repercussions for Georgia's controversial foreign interference law, EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell suggested the possibility of freezing financial assistance and high-level engagements with the Georgian government and security forces, during a discussion with his counterparts in Luxembourg.
- Despite Georgia's accession process to the EU being underway, having achieved candidacy status in December and enjoying broad popular support, the implementation of a debated law requiring organizations and media receiving over 20% foreign funding to register as foreign agents and undergo increased scrutiny has led to widespread demonstrations in the country and raised concerns in the EU about the freedom of speech and the potential influence of Russia.
- Following the EU's intention to halt Georgia's membership progress, the Georgian government and security forces may face the prospect of reduced financial assistance, impacting the country's development and stability, and high-level engagement with EU officials and dignitaries being limited, as a consequence of the controversial foreign interference law that has sparked protests and stirred public sentiment.
