Proposal includes an expansion of EU-funded educational and training initiatives.
In a significant visit from September 4 to 6, a German parliamentary delegation led by Jürgen Hardt (CDU), Nils Schmid (SPD), Ulrich Lechte (FDP), and Deborah Düring (Alliance 90/The Greens) travelled to Georgia. The delegation's primary objective was to advocate for fair and free elections scheduled for October, and to promote Georgia's continued European orientation.
The delegation's stance underscored the importance of democracy and the rule of law for Georgia's future. Strengthening human rights and the rule of law is crucial, they emphasised, for democratic development in the country. A strong, independent civil society, they noted, is indispensable in this process.
The Georgian civil society's commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, the delegation observed, is exemplary in the region. However, they expressed concern over the law on 'transparency of foreign influence' in Georgia, which they believe threatens fundamental freedoms and weakens civil society.
The parliamentary delegation called for a peaceful and fair electoral environment in Georgia. They welcomed the invitation to international election observers and underscored the importance of their role in ensuring a free and fair election process.
The delegation's visit comes at a crucial moment for Georgia's democratic future. The parliamentary elections on October 26 will be a decisive test for the country's commitment to democracy and its European aspirations.
The current government's course, the delegation noted, is blocking Georgia's path to the EU. A broad majority of the Georgian population, they pointed out, wants Georgia to become a member of the European Union. Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, they reminded, enshrines EU membership as a state goal.
The international community, the delegation assured, will closely observe the election process in Georgia. Authoritarian tendencies and undemocratic measures, they warned, have undermined the democratic will for EU membership in Georgia.
Nils Schmid, leader of the Social Democratic Party in Baden-Württemberg at the time, publicly supported Georgia’s European Union membership aspirations during his visit in September 2022. The delegation's visit, therefore, was a clear demonstration of Germany's unwavering support for Georgia's European aspirations and its commitment to democratic values.
The delegation stood firmly on the side of the Georgian population desiring the path to the EU. They reiterated that free and fair elections are the foundation of every democracy and are crucial for Georgia's democratic future. The delegation's visit serves as a reminder that the international community will continue to support Georgia in its journey towards democracy and EU membership.
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