On the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

B100074/2024

European Parliament resolution on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

(2024/2822(RSP))

The European Parliament,

– having regard to its resolution of 25 April 2024 on attempts to reintroduce a foreign agent law in Georgia and its restrictions on civil society,

– having regard to the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on 15 May 2024 concerning the adoption of the law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ in Georgia,

– having regard to Georgia’s sovereignty as recognised in international law,

– having regard to the Charter of the United Nations and to the principles of non-interference in domestic affairs,

– having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas Georgia is a sovereign state under international law, with full authority to determine its political system, conduct elections and manage its internal affairs without interference from foreign actors or international organisations;

B. whereas Georgia’s political system and elections are aligned with democratic norms similar to those of EU Member States, thus negating any need for external interference;

C. whereas the claims of ‘democratic backsliding’ appear to serve as a pretext to pressure Georgia, without legitimate basis for such accusations;

D. whereas Georgia’s law on foreign agents aims to ensure transparency of foreign influence, without undermining civil society or the independence of the media, and is aligned with similar, even stricter, laws present in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and France;

E. whereas the principle of political pluralism protects the right of sovereign nations such as Georgia to express opinions that may differ from those of the EU;

F. whereas the Orthodox Christian Church and traditional family values are central to Georgian society and recent EU actions and statements have amounted to unacceptable interference in these cultural matters;

1. Reaffirms its respect for the sovereignty of Georgia and calls for the EU to refrain from any involvement in Georgia’s internal matters;

2. Rejects the statement by the High Representative regarding ‘democratic backsliding’ in Georgia, as it lacks credible evidence and serves as a pretext for external intervention;

3. Emphasises its respect for Georgia’s law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’, noting that it complies with democratic norms and is similar to laws applied in other countries, including some within the EU;

4. Calls for the EU and its institutions to respect the rights of sovereign nations to determine their foreign policy, internal governance and societal values without external coercion or intervention;

5. Deplores any undue pressure on Georgia and urges the EU to respect the diversity of political opinions in Georgia;

6. Expresses concern over interference in cultural and societal matters in Georgia, particularly those related to the Orthodox Christian Church and traditional family values, and demands that the EU respect the societal norms of Georgian citizens;

7. Demands a cessation of unwarranted accusations of ‘democratic backsliding’ in Georgia unless substantiated by concrete and transparent evidence;

8. Calls for a constructive and respectful dialogue between the EU and Georgia based on mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in domestic affairs;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the President, Government and Parliament of Georgia, and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.