Joint Statement of EU ministers on the elections in Georgia
We are deeply concerned about the current situation in Georgia. International observers reported violations during the election campaign as well as on election day. We condemn all violation of international norms for free and fair elections. We share their concerns and demand an impartial inquiry of complaints and remedy of the violations established. We stand in this difficult time at the side of Georgians. It is important that protests and in particular government reaction to them remain peaceful. The violations of electoral integrity are incompatible with the standards expected from a candidate to the European Union. They are a betrayal of the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspiration. Upholding the rule of law and free and fair elections is integral to any progress on Georgia’s EU path. We criticize Prime Minister Orban’s premature visit to Georgia. He does not speak on behalf of the EU.
Martin DVOŘÁK
Minister for European Affairs, Czechia
Marie BJERRE
Minister for European Affairs, Denmark
Anna LÜHRMANN
Minister of State for Europe and Climate, Germany
Margus TSAHKNA
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Estonia
Joakim STRAND
Minister for European Affairs and Ownership Steering, Finland
Benjamin HADDAD
Minister Delegate for European Affairs, France
Jennifer Carroll MACNEILL
Minister of State for EU Affairs, Ireland
Gabrielius LANDSBERGIS
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Lithuania
Caspar VELDKAMP
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands
Xavier BETTEL
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, Luxembourg
Adam SZŁAPKA
Minister for the European Union, Poland
Inês DOMINGOS
State Secretary for European Affairs, Portugal
Jessica ROSENCRANTZ
Minister for EU Affairs, Sweden