The situation in Georgia is deeply concerning, and Sweden supports imposing sanctions on individuals responsible for violence against protesters, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard stated during a parliamentary debate on Georgia in the Riksdag.

“The developments in Georgia are very troubling. In 2024, several laws were passed that restrict the activities of civil society and limit the enjoyment of human rights and freedoms. Regarding the October 26, 2024, parliamentary elections, observers, including those from the OSCE, reported irregularities. On November 28, 2024, the Georgian Dream party announced that it would not initiate EU membership negotiations until 2028 and also planned to refuse all EU financial assistance during the same period. This announcement triggered large-scale protests in Georgia. In several cases, there was excessive use of force against journalists and demonstrators,” the Swedish Foreign Minister said.

She emphasized that throughout this period, Sweden had urged the EU to take a clear stance on the developments in Georgia.

“Sweden consistently called on the EU to express a firm position regarding these events. The issue of Georgia was last discussed in Brussels during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on December 16. There, I stressed that Sweden supports imposing sanctions on individuals responsible for violence against protesters. I also highlighted the importance of reallocating EU funding, frozen for Georgia, to support Georgian civil society. Furthermore, I requested additional analysis from the European Commission on the possibility of suspending visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic passports, as this would send a strong message: one cannot enjoy the benefits of close relations with the EU while failing to uphold commitments. I welcome the fact that the Commission has made such a proposal,” stated Maria Malmer Stenergard.