EU-Georgia relations and other actual issues were a topic of the Europe Time interview with MEP, Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel, Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance.
She stated that the outcome of the election, as well as the events that follow, will largely determine the direction of EU-Georgia relations. This is why we are preparing a full-fledged observation mission from the European Parliament. I know that many other observers are also planning to come. This is a strong signal for everyone in Georgia who wants to live in a democratic country, "Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel said.
Europetime spoke to MEP Viola Von Cramon-Taubadel:
_What do the current circumstances in EU-Georgia relations specify?
I believe that Georgian-EU relations definitely have had better times. Unfortunately, currently, we see a strong anti-EU disinformation campaign that is trying to sway public support for the EU. As a shadow rapporteur for the European Parliament’s special committee fighting disinformation, we take this subject very seriously. Similar disinformation campaigns can be observed in Ukraine and Moldova and can be traced to Russia.
In addition, Georgian Dream’s decision to withdraw the signature of the agreement that the EU and President Charles Michel personally negotiated and where we invested so much energy has further harmed the relations between the EU and Georgia. The EU sees trust as a bedrock for stable partnership and breaking promises seriously breaches this trust.
_How do you evaluate the US policy in the region and towards Georgia?
The EU and the US share the same values and interests; this is particularly prevalent in Georgia. We have the same goals too: support the building of democratic institutions, strengthen the independent and transparent judiciary, make sure that the fundamental freedoms and rights of the people of Georgia are protected and respected. The EU and the US ambassadors, through their hard work, prepared the ground for the April 19th agreement.
The Agreement is still in place with or without Georgian Dream’s signature. As for the region, during the most recent phase of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, both the EU and the US were largely absent. This, regrettably, allowed Russia to strengthen its positions in the Caucasus. Unfortunately, such a development further complicates Georgia’s security.
_What could you say about the significance of the local elections?
This election is extremely important despite being called "local elections". It has ramifications on national and international levels. The outcome, as well as the post-election events, will largely define the direction of EU-Georgia relations. This is why we are preparing a full-fledged observation mission from the European Parliament. I know that many other observers are also planning to come. This is a strong signal for everyone in Georgia who wants to live in a democratic country.
