EU Summit announces suspension of Georgia's accession to the Union

On Thursday, October 17, the European Council held a regular summit. According to the conclusions of the meeting, it was announced that the process of Georgia's accession to the European Union has been effectively suspended.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to a document published on the European Council website.

It states that the European Council reaffirms the EU's readiness to support the Georgian people on their European path. At the same time, the Council expresses serious concern about the course of action taken by the Georgian government, which contradicts the values and principles on which the European Union is founded.

“The European Council recalls that such a course of action jeopardizes Georgia's European path and de facto stops it. It (the European Council - ed.) calls on Georgia to adopt democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms in line with the basic principles of European integration. The EU will continue to monitor the situation closely,” the document says.

In addition, the European Council expects that the upcoming parliamentary elections in the country “will be free and fair” in accordance with international standards, and that international and national observers will be allowed to observe without hindrance.

The document also emphasizes the need to protect free and independent media and reaffirms the EU's continued support for Georgia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

“The European Council underlines the European Union's continued commitment to the peaceful settlement of conflicts and its policy of non-recognition and non-engagement,” the conclusions on Georgia summarized.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 19/10/2024