We call on the political leadership of Georgia to reconsider the decision related to the adoption of the draft law "On the transparency of foreign influence", - this is mentioned in the joint statement of the Nordic and Baltic countries regarding the current processes in Georgia.

The statement states that the draft law "On transparency of foreign influence", which is currently under consideration in the Parliament of Georgia, is incompatible with European norms and values.

"We, the Nordic and Baltic countries, have been supporting the democratic and economic development of Georgia since its independence. By granting the EU candidate country status in December last year, the European Union has shown that it supports the aspirations of the Georgian people. Georgia has been given a clear path to start accession negotiations and subsequently join the EU. However, in recent times, the Georgian authorities have chosen a worrying trajectory that hinders Georgia's European future. The draft law "On transparency of foreign influence", which is currently being discussed in the Parliament of Georgia, is incompatible with European norms and values. If passed, the law could be used to silence media and civil society organizations that play a vital role in helping Georgia on its path to EU membership.

The statements of the Georgian authorities regarding the similarity of the Georgian bill with the EU bill are groundless and confusing. We call on the political leadership of Georgia to reconsider the decision related to the adoption of the draft law. Aspiring to join the European Union is a sovereign choice of Georgia and its people. In case of the desire to join the European Union, it is the responsibility of the Georgian authorities to fulfill the prerequisites. The anti-Western rhetoric of the Georgian government puts Georgia's European choice at serious risk. The EU candidate status was granted to Georgia based on the agreement that 9 steps would be completed. At this stage, the Georgian authorities have not made any progress in fulfilling the mentioned steps. We have a strong desire to see Georgia's success on its European and Euro-Atlantic path, as it is the desire of the vast majority of the Georgian people. We hope that the government of Georgia will use this historical window of opportunity created by the strengthened EU enlargement process and return to the course of joining the European Union," the statement said.