Macron, Scholz and Tusk: No EU Accession Talks Unless Georgia Reverses its Current Course
French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk issued a joint statement on Thursday expressing their concern over the political situation in Georgia and saying they could not support the opening of Georgia’s European Union accession talks unless the country carried out reforms. They call for swift and transparent investigations into the election-related irregularities.
Macron, Scholz and Tusk who issued a joint statement as members of the so-called Weimar Triangle format said in a written statement: “Unless Georgia reverses its current course of action and demonstrates tangible reform efforts, in particular by repealing recent legislation that runs counter to European values and principles, we will not be in a position to support the opening of accession negotiations with Georgia.”
The three European leaders reiterate their concern about the parliamentary elections in Georgia, saying in particular that “the reported numerous irregularities and intimidation on voters, which affected negatively public trust in the process”” are “of grave concern.”
They call for a “swift and transparent investigations of all complaints and reports of election-related irregularities” and say they will “carefully examine the final report of the international observation mission.”
The three leaders’ statement was issued as nearly 50 European leaders gathered in Budapest on Thursday and Friday to discuss support for Ukraine, migration, economic security and the EU’s declining competitiveness. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is also expected to attend the Summit.
This news was updated at 14:40 to reflect the European leaders’ position on the parliamentary election in Georgia.
Also Read:
- 06/11/2024 – Georgia’s Elections: Death By Dozen Daggers
- 06/11/2024 – TV Pirveli Investigation Exposes Alleged Schemes of Voter Pressure, Vote Buying, Carousels
- 02/11/2024 – Elections 2024: How Much Fraud is Too Much Fraud?
- 10/10/2024 – Weimar Triangle FMs Reaffirm Support for Georgian People, Deplore Government’s Actions
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