EU Alarmed by Georgia's Foreign Influence Law
The European Union expresses deep regret over the Georgian Parliament's decision to override the president's veto on the foreign influence law.
The Parliament also disregarded the detailed legal arguments presented by the Venice Commission, which culminated in a clear recommendation for the law's repeal. Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy, made this statement on Tuesday following the adoption of the controversial legislation by the Tbilisi legislature, as reported by news.ro.
The EU has repeatedly emphasised that the law contravenes the bloc's fundamental principles and values. Its enactment would represent a setback in at least three of the nine benchmarks outlined in the Commission's recommendation for obtaining candidate status, a recommendation endorsed by EU leaders. These benchmarks include combating disinformation, mitigating polarisation, upholding fundamental rights, and fostering civil society engagement. According to a joint statement by Borrell and the European Commission, quoted by The Guardian, this will negatively impact Georgia's progress towards EU membership.
The EU and its member states are currently considering all possible options in response to these developments, the Brussels executive has emphasised.
Borrell and the European Commission reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Georgian people. They also acknowledged the overwhelming public desire for Georgia's future to lie within the European Union.
"We continue to stand by the Georgian people and recognise their overwhelming choice for a European future for their country," reads the statement.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
