Georgia Withdraws from EU-Associated Parliamentary Forum
On November 2, Georgia announced its withdrawal from the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly. This assembly links the European Parliament with nations in the EU’s Eastern Partnership. The decision comes after the assembly adopted a resolution criticizing Georgia’s democratic practices and calling the upcoming 2024 parliamentary elections fraudulent.
Reasons Behind Georgia’s Withdrawal from Euronest
Georgia’s departure from Euronest reflects deteriorating relations with European institutions. Since January, the Georgian delegation has boycotted sessions of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. The latest Euronest session, held in Yerevan, included discussions that Georgia found objectionable.
Criticism of Democratic Standards
During the Yerevan meeting, assembly members issued a resolution condemning Georgia’s government. It highlighted concerns over democratic backsliding and societal issues, including:
- Accusations of rigged elections in 2023.
- Calling the current leadership “self-declared.”
- Demands for the release of opposition figures labeled as “political prisoners.”
Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili responded firmly against the resolution, labeling it politically biased. He expressed that certain European Parliament members have manipulated Euronest into a platform for “blackmail” rather than cooperation.
Statements from Georgian Officials
Papuashvili criticized the assembly’s resolution for dismissing the democratic choices made by the Georgian electorate. He asserted that the document undermines the rule of law and fails to respect the nation’s democratic institutions. “The current anti-democratic approach will only lead to Euronest’s self-isolation and marginalization,” he warned.
Future Engagement Possibilities
Despite the strong statements, Papuashvili left the door open for possible re-engagement with Euronest. He mentioned that Georgia would reconsider its participation if conditions for constructive dialogue arose. The resolution incited the conflict but has not yet been fully published, leaving aspects of the situation unclear.
Reactions from Analysts
Political analyst Zaal Anjaparidze described Georgia’s walkout as a logical step. He stated that the forum had devolved into a space for confrontation rather than meaningful dialogue. Anjaparidze cautioned that attending, under current circumstances, could inflict more reputational damage on the government.
Conclusion
Georgia’s withdrawal from the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly signifies a significant shift in its relationship with Europe. The country has faced increasing criticism from European bodies concerning democratic integrity and governance. Euronest, which previously served as a vital bridge for EU-Georgia relations, now finds itself at a crossroads, potentially leading to isolation for both parties.
