Kallas: EU to consider new steps against Tbilisi in January over democratic backsliding

Planning a response to the deteriorating situation

Foreign ministers of the European Union member states will hold a detailed discussion on potential new measures regarding Georgia at the beginning of next year. The main objective of these steps is to halt the further erosion of democracy in the country.

The intentions of Brussels were announced by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Context: report on the state of human rights

These comments came shortly after the publication of the European Commission's annual report dedicated to candidate countries for accession to the Union. This document notes a deterioration in democratic standards in Georgia. In particular, attention is drawn to the introduction of new restrictions on civil society and violations of basic rights and freedoms.

Brussels' position on Tbilisi

Kaja Kallas emphasised that the current government of Georgia is in direct conflict with the European Union due to its departure from democratic values.

In response to journalists' questions about the possible introduction of new sanctions against the authorities in Tbilisi, the head of European diplomacy noted that it is too early to speak about specific decisions. According to her, the priority is to send a clear signal of support to the Georgian people and to support their aspirations for European integration. At the same time, the EU must demonstrate its disagreement with the government's policy. Currently, the full range of possible courses of action is being considered.