ALDE calls on the EU to impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for repression and undermining democracy in Georgia, - reads a letter from the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE Party).

ALDE President Svenja Hahn and European Liberal Forum President Jan-Christoph Oetjen have addressed a letter to Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement.

“We are writing regarding the rapidly deteriorating democratic situation in Georgia, and particularly the forced decision of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) to close its office in Tbilisi after more than two decades of work in the country.

FNF has been forced to end its operations in Georgia following the rejection of its grant application by the Georgian authorities. The authorities made clear that FNF’s activities would only be permitted if they were aligned with their priorities. Under these conditions, FNF concluded that it could no longer carry out its mission as an independent political foundation.

This is another clear example of the growing restrictions on independent civil society and the wider repression of protesters, opposition figures, journalists and independent voices. Since 2002, FNF has been an important partner for democratic forces in the country, supporting political education, democratic participation, the rule of law, European integration and an open civil society.

These developments demonstrate how far the Georgian Dream regime is moving away from the standards expected of an EU candidate country and send a worrying signal to all those with European aspirations. What is happening in Georgia matters not only to its citizens, but also to the credibility of the EU’s enlargement policy and its commitment to democracy and fundamental rights.

The ALDE Party, together with its partner organisations such as the European Liberal Forum, has consistently raised the alarm about the democratic backsliding. We therefore reiterate our call on the European Union to respond with targeted sanctions against those responsible for the repression and systematic undermining of democracy and fundamental freedoms in Georgia.

The EU’s political leadership is essential to prevent further deterioration and to demonstrate that such actions have consequences. The EU must ensure that those defending democracy and fundamental freedoms are not left without support”, reads the letter.