Marta Kos: Georgia’s return to the path of EU accession should only be considered if the government takes steps to reverse democratic backsliding. Georgia is a stark reminder that regression on the path to the European Union is possible

"Georgia is a stark reminder that backsliding is possible on the path to the European Union. When we begin granting candidate status to a country, it does not automatically mean that progress toward the EU will follow," – said Marta Kos during an extraordinary session of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.

According to her, the adoption of the foreign agents registration law in Georgia poses a threat to the country’s democratic foundations.

"While thousands of people march with EU flags, the government is moving in the opposite direction. Georgia’s foreign agents registration act represents a serious democratic setback. Alongside the laws on broadcasting and grants, it threatens Georgia’s democratic foundations," Kos stated.

She emphasized that the EU should only consider Georgia’s return to the accession path if the government takes credible steps to reverse democratic backsliding.

"In our joint statement published last week, High Representative Kaja Kallas and I called on the Georgian government to listen to its citizens’ clear demands for democracy and a European future, and to release all unjustly detained journalists, activists, protesters, and political leaders — and we continue to reiterate this call.

Responsibility lies solely with the Georgian authorities. Georgia’s return to the path of EU accession should only be considered if the government takes credible steps to reverse democratic backsliding. We must also support civil society organizations and the Georgian people," the Commissioner said.