EU to discuss possible sanctions against Georgia on June 24

The European Union is considering a series of measures to counter the Georgian government’s controversial “foreign agents” law, according to internal EU documents. Active in Europethe latter reported.

EU foreign ministers are expected on Monday (June 24) to discuss an options paper drafted by the EU diplomatic service (EEAS) in response to Georgia’s controversial “foreign agents” law passed in May.

As part of short-term emergency measures, the document recommends suspending high-level bilateral visits, EU-Georgia Association Agreement meetings and events, as well as suspending discussions, negotiations and signing of bilateral agreements “in order to immediately address the current situation.”

The report also recommends “a pause in the planning and disbursement of funds directly benefiting the Georgian authorities and a halt to any discussion of future assistance to the authorities”, as well as a review of the EU financial aid portfolio, “including increased support for civil society and independent media”.

It goes on to say that once the law is repealed, the measures can be lifted “provided that the EU’s concerns about democratic backsliding are adequately addressed and accompanied by a clear public message.”