2021/2236(INI) Annual implementing report on the EU association agreement with Georgia
Lead committee dossier:
Progress: Procedure completed
| Role | Committee | Rapporteur | Shadows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | AFET |
MIKSER Sven ( S&D)
|
LEXMANN Miriam ( EPP),
PAET Urmas ( Renew),
GREGOROVÁ Markéta ( Verts/ALE),
MARIANI Thierry ( ID),
FOTYGA Anna ( ECR),
WALLACE Mick ( GUE/NGL)
|
| Committee Opinion | INTA |
GREGOROVÁ Markéta ( Verts/ALE)
|
Helmut SCHOLZ ( GUE/NGL),
Maximilian KRAH ( ID),
Witold Jan WASZCZYKOWSKI ( ECR)
|
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54
Legal Basis:
RoP 54Subjects
Events
2023/03/22
EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2022/12/14
EP - Results of vote in Parliament
Documents
2022/12/14
EP - Decision by Parliament
Details
The European Parliament adopted by 430 votes to 52, with 126 abstentions, a resolution on the implementation of the EU's Association Agreement with Georgia.
Parliament welcomed the decision of the European Council to recognise the European perspective of Georgia, within its internationally recognised borders. This decision is a strong signal of political support for the European aspirations of the people of Georgia and Georgia is urged to seize this historic window of opportunity.
The Georgian authorities to meet the highest standards of democracy, rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to address the reform priorities set out in the Commission's opinion and taking into account the agreement negotiated on 19 April 2021, in order to demonstrate unambiguously their political determination to implement the nation's ambitious European aspirations, as expressed in Georgia's application for EU membership submitted on 3 March 2022
Territorial integrity and security
Parliament welcomed the strong reaction of Georgian society in support of Ukraine. It called on the authorities to align themselves with EU sanctions and to ensure that Georgia is not used to circumvent international sanctions related to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Members reiterated their full support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. They called for continued efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict and to end the Russian occupation of Georgian territory. It called on the EU to continue to pursue its engagement for the peaceful resolution of the Russia-Georgia conflict.
The resolution strongly condemned Russia's illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and the ongoing illegal ‘borderisation’ activities in these regions. Russia is urged to respect its international obligations under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008, in particular its obligation to withdraw all its military forces and security personnel from the occupied territories of Georgia to allow the establishment of international security mechanisms on these territories and to allow the EU Monitoring Mission unrestricted access to the whole territory of Georgia.
Political dialogue and elections
Parliament stressed the need to build and foster trust between all political and institutional actors and between these actors and the Georgian people. It deplored the decision of the ruling Georgian Dream party to withdraw from the negotiated agreement of 19 April 2021, the provisions of which propose a path towards strengthening democracy and the rule of law and reducing polarisation in Georgia.
The Georgian authorities are called on to complete the country’s electoral reform and address persistent shortcomings in electoral campaigns and the conduct of elections in time for the 2024 parliamentary elections and in line with the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, in particular on pressure on voters and candidates by public officials and electoral contestants and allegations of intimidation, coercion and vote-buying, and on the misuse of administrative resources during the electoral process.
Rule of law, good governance and media freedom
Parliament stressed the importance of implementing an ambitious, genuine and thorough justice reform based on a transparent and effective post-2021 judicial reform strategy and action plan. It invited the authorities to address the shortcomings identified by the Venice Commission in the nomination and appointment of judges at all levels, in particular to the Supreme Court, and of the Prosecutor-General in order to bring the process fully in line with European standards.
In view of the persistent phenomenon of state capture and the lack of progress in the fight against corruption, Members reiterated their call on the Georgian authorities to step up the fight against corruption and organised crime.
Despite a strong Georgian legal framework to guarantee freedom of expression and media, Members are concerned that the media environment and the safety of journalists have deteriorated. They called on Georgia to guarantee media freedom. They also stressed the importance of continued efforts to increase the resilience of Georgian society to Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns that try to influence Georgian politics and public opinion.
Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
The resolution condemned the violence perpetrated on 5 July 2021 against peaceful participants in the Tbilisi Pride march and journalists covering the event. It strongly condemned the lack of diligent investigation or prosecution of those responsible for the organisation of the violence.
The Georgian authorities are called upon to:
- ensure the protection of human rights of women and other vulnerable groups, such as the LGBTQI+ community and ethnic minorities;
- fully implement in practice human rights and anti-discrimination legislation and combat impunity for serious violations;
- work on its deinstitutionalisation strategy and action plan, in line with the requirements of the Code on the Rights of the Child, as violence against children in a family context and in residential care, foster care and educational institutions remains a significant problem;
- continue to improve women's representation and equal treatment at all levels of political, economic and societal life, eradicate inequality in the labour market and the gender pay gap;
- implement legislation to combat gender-based and domestic violence and feminicide.
Economic and trade relations
Parliament welcomed Georgia's positive track record in approximating its laws and establishing a fully functioning market economy. It called for the opportunities offered by the economic and investment plan to be exploited to build an economy ready for integration into the EU's single market. It asked the Commission to examine the possibilities offered by the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement to increase the volume of trade between the EU and Georgia through coordinated support, with an emphasis on support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Sectoral cooperation
The Commission and the Council are called on to establish enhanced and structured political dialogue with Georgia and other candidate and potential candidate countries in order to advance further economic integration and legislative harmonisation. Members also stressed the importance of enhanced transport, energy and digital connectivity as a means of making full use of the geographical and economic potential of Georgia at all levels, especially in small, medium-sized and rural municipalities.
Documents
2022/12/13
EP - Debate in Parliament
Documents
2022/11/16
EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details
The Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted an own-initiative report by Sven MIKSER (S&D, EE) on the implementation of the EU's Association Agreement with Georgia.
On 3 March 2022, Georgia submitted its application for EU membership against the background of strong public support for Georgia's European aspirations and the new geopolitical situation resulting from Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Members welcomed the European Council's decision to recognise Georgia's European perspective within its internationally recognised borders. They therefore called on Georgia to seize this historic opportunity.
The Georgian authorities are called upon to meet the highest standards of democracy, rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms , and to address resolutely the reform priorities set out in the Commission's opinion in order to demonstrate unambiguously their political determination to implement the nation's ambitious European aspirations.
Territorial integrity and security
Members reiterated their full support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. They called for continued efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict and to end the Russian occupation of Georgian territory.
The report strongly condemned Russia's illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and the ongoing illegal ‘borderisation’ activities in these regions. Members expressed concern about the urgent security, humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied territories of Georgia. Russia is urged to respect its international obligations under the EU-mediated ceasefire agreement of 12 August 2008, in particular its obligation to withdraw all its military forces and security personnel from the occupied territories of Georgia.
Political dialogue and elections
Deploring the fact that the political landscape in Georgia continues to be deeply polarised, the report called on all political actors to refrain from aggressive or divisive rhetoric and to join forces in order to avoid undermining their key goal of Georgia's accession to the European Union through the implementation of ambitious democratic, judicial and anti-corruption reforms .
The Georgian authorities should, before the 2024 parliamentary elections, complete the country's electoral reform and address persistent shortcomings in campaigning and the conduct of elections. The excessive influence of vested interests in economic, political and public life needs to be curbed.
Rule of law, good governance and media freedom
The report stressed the importance of implementing an ambitious, genuine and thorough justice reform based on a transparent and effective post-2021 judicial reform strategy and action plan. It called for a thorough reform of the High Council of Justice, which should be carried out before the appointment of its remaining members, in a transparent, merit-based procedure in line with European standards.
In view of the persistent phenomenon of state capture and the lack of progress in the fight against corruption , Members reiterated their call on the Georgian authorities to step up the fight against corruption and organised crime.
Despite a strong Georgian legal framework to guarantee freedom of expression and media, Members are concerned that the media environment and the safety of journalists have deteriorated. They called on Georgia to guarantee media freedom . They also stressed the importance of continued efforts to increase the resilience of Georgian society to Russian propaganda and disinformation campaigns that try to influence Georgian politics and public opinion.
Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms
The report condemned the violence perpetrated on 5 July 2021 against peaceful participants in the Tbilisi Pride march and journalists covering the event. It strongly condemned the lack of diligent investigation or prosecution of those responsible for the organisation of the violence.
The Georgian authorities are called upon to:
- ensure the protection of human rights of women and other vulnerable groups, such as the LGBTQI+ community and ethnic minorities;
- fully implement in practice human rights and anti-discrimination legislation and combat impunity for serious violations;
- continue to improve women's representation and equal treatment at all levels of political, economic and societal life, eradicate inequality in the labour market and the gender pay gap;
- implement legislation to combat gender-based and domestic violence and feminicide.
Economic and trade relations
The report called on the Commission to review the opportunities available to them by the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement to increase the trade volume between the EU and Georgia through coordinated support, with a focus on support for small and medium-sized enterprises and structural reforms, including developing quality infrastructure, such as laboratories in Georgia for EU certification of sanitary and phytosanitary, and technical barriers to trade standards.
Sectoral cooperation
The report called on Commission and the Council to establish enhanced and structured political dialogue with Georgia and other candidate and potential candidate countries in order to advance further economic integration and legislative harmonisation. Members also stressed the importance of enhanced transport, energy and digital connectivity as a means of making full use of the geographical and economic potential of Georgia at all levels, especially in small, medium-sized and rural municipalities.
Documents
2022/11/08
EP - Vote in committee
2022/09/13
EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2022/09/02
EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2022/07/05
EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2021/12/16
EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2021/11/18
EP - GREGOROVÁ Markéta (Verts/ALE) appointed as rapporteur in INTA
2021/11/08
EP - MIKSER Sven (S&D) appointed as rapporteur in AFET
Documents
- Commission response to text adopted in plenary: SP(2023)79
- Results of vote in Parliament: Results of vote in Parliament
- Decision by Parliament: T9-0442/2022
- Debate in Parliament: Debate in Parliament
- Committee report tabled for plenary: A9-0274/2022
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE736.386
- Committee opinion: PE734.457
- Committee draft report: PE734.377
- Committee draft report: PE734.377
- Committee opinion: PE734.457
- Amendments tabled in committee: PE736.386
- Commission response to text adopted in plenary: SP(2023)79
Activities
- Othmar KARAS
Plenary Speeches (2)
- Juozas OLEKAS
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Viola VON CRAMON-TAUBADEL
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Liudas MAŽYLIS
Plenary Speeches (1)
- Bernhard ZIMNIOK
Plenary Speeches (1)
| Amendments | Dossier |
| 226 |
2021/2236(INI)
2022/08/01
AFET
6 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the positive Georgian progress in implementing the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), notably the approximation to the EU law for deepening economic integration into the single market, further welcomes that the EU is the leading trade partner of Georgia, as around 21% of its total trade takes place with the EU;
Amendment 2 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Reiterates its calls to reduce the political polarisation in the country which is of key essence for Georgia’s European path;
Amendment 3 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 2 b (new) 2b. Highlights that after the Commission’s 17 June recommendations at least 60 000 people took to the streets of Tbilisi to demonstrate their commitment to Georgia’s European future; notes that according to the National Democratic Institute’s (NDI) survey of January 2022, 83% of Georgians approve joining the EU;
Amendment 4 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 3 3. Calls on the Georgian government to steadily continue the working on approximating the rule of law standards, particularly those ensuring transparency, an independent judiciary system and good governance and its proper reform implementation; in addition, calls on the Commission to closely monitor the development of the rule of law situation
Amendment 5 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Welcomes the European assistance programmes in support of digitalisation (e.g., EU4Digital, EaP Connect), environment (e.g., EU4Climate, EU4Environment) and youth (EU4 Youth, Vocational Education and Training); also highlights the necessity and the efforts made for accessible digital connectivity, notably in rural areas, therewith welcomes the investment initiative for fast broadband for rural settlements;
Amendment 6 #
Draft opinion Paragraph 9 9.
source: 735.619
2022/09/09
AFET
220 amendments...
Amendment 1 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 4 a (new) — having regard to the Commission’s Association Implementation Report on Georgia of 12 August 2022,
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas Georgia submitted its application for EU membership on 3 March 2022 in the context of
Amendment 100 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 b (new) 6b. Deplores the aggressive rhetoric targeting international allies of Georgia’s European path, namely the US and the EU ambassadors, as incompatible with the status of EU applicant country;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 c (new) 6c. Regrets that the actions and rhetoric of the Georgian Dream representatives further escalate the polarisation of Georgia’s political environment and may point to a deliberate sabotage of Georgia’s European future by the governing political party;
Amendment 102 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 7. Calls on the Georgian authorities to complete the country’s electoral reform and address persistent shortcomings in electoral campaigns and the conduct of elections in time for the 2024 parliamentary elections and in line with the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations, in particular in relation to pressure on voters and candidates by public officials and electoral contestants, as well as intimidation, coercion and vote buying;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Is concerned over refusal by the ruling party to include the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) to the electoral reforms working group; expresses its full confidence in, and appreciation of, ISFED’s work in monitoring and reporting on election processes in Georgia;
Amendment 104 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Regrets the decision of the governing Georgian Dream party to withdraw from the agreement of April 19, 2021 and calls on the government to return to the agreement and start its implementation immediately, as it presents the way forward towards depolarization and implementing reforms;
Amendment 105 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 a (new) 7a. Reminds the government of Georgia of its promise to decrease the electoral threshold for the parliamentary elections to 2 % and urges them to do so before the next Commission assessment at the end of 2022;
Amendment 106 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 7 b (new) 7b. Calls on the Georgian authorities to amend the electoral law in order to facilitate the voting process abroad, among others through postal voting, considering the unprecedented high number of Georgians living abroad;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the need to eliminate the excessive influence of
Amendment 108 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the need to eliminate the excessive influence of vested interests, including o
Amendment 109 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the need to eliminate the excessive influence of vested interests
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas Georgia submitted its application for EU membership on 3 March 2022 in the context of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine; whereas the majority of Georgian people are in favour of the country’s accession to the EU;
Amendment 110 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the need to eliminate the excessive influence of vested interests
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 8. Underlines the need to eliminate the
Amendment 112 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Reiterates its concern over the destructive role played by the sole oligarch, Bidzina Ivanishvili, in Georgia's politics and economy, and the level of control he exerts over the government and its decisions, including those on the politically motivated persecution of journalists and political opponents; is deeply worried by Ivanishvili's exposed personal and business links to the Kremlin, which determine the position of the current Government of Georgia towards sanctions on Russia; calls on the Council and democratic partners to consider imposing personal sanctions on Ivanishvili for his role in the deterioration of the political process;
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to put an end to politically motivated persecution of political opponents; notes that the decision of the court to convict the leaders of Lelo for Georgia party, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, and using the court’s verdict to strip Japaridze of his parliamentary mandate is a clear demonstration of a case of politicized justice;
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to allow the convicted former president Mikheil Saakashvili to seek medical treatment abroad on humanitarian grounds and as a means of reducing political polarisation;
Amendment 115 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 a (new) 8a. Underlines Georgia’s role as a reliable security partner of the EU through its significant contributions to EU CSDP operations;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Reiterates its call on the Georgian authorities to release former President Mikhail Saakashvili from prison on humanitarian grounds so that he can receive proper medical treatment abroad;
Amendment 117 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 8 b (new) 8b. Regrets that the reform of the judiciary has stalled and even regressed in key areas, while the human rights situation has deteriorated;
Amendment 118 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Underlines the importance of implementing a genuine and thorough justice reform on the basis of a transparent
Amendment 119 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 9. Underlines the importance of implementing an ambitious, genuine and thorough justice reform on the basis of a transparent and effective post-2021 judicial reform strategy and action plan through a broad, inclusive and cross-party consultation process; calls on the authorities to address the shortcomings identified by the Venice Commission in the nomination and appointment of judges at all levels and of the Prosecutor-General in order to bring the process fully in line with European standards; calls for a thorough reform of the High Council of Justice to be carried out and for its remaining members to be
Amendment 12 #
Motion for a resolution Recital A A. whereas Georgia submitted its application for EU membership on 3 March 2022 in the context of continued strong public support for Georgia's European aspirations as well as Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 9 a (new) 9a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to release former President Mikheil Saakashvili from prison on humanitarian grounds in order to allow him to undergo proper medical treatment abroad;
Amendment 121 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Stresses that hasty and non- transparent actions in making key appointments or institutional changes only reinforce the perception of politicised justice; in this respect notes, in particular, that the Supreme Court judges were appointed before the shortcomings in the nomination process identified by ODIHR and the Venice Commission were addressed; reiterates that the lack of progress on judicial reform meant that the conditions for receiving the EUR 75 million tranche of EU macro-financial assistance by September 2021 were not fulfilled; emphasises that all appointments need to be made on the basis of integrity, independence, impartiality and competence;
Amendment 122 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Stresses that hasty and non- transparent actions in making key appointments or institutional changes only reinforce the p
Amendment 123 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 10. Stresses that hasty and non- transparent actions in making key appointments or institutional changes only reinforce the perception of politicised justice; in this respect
Amendment 124 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to strengthen the independence of its Anti-Corruption Agency, in particular to rigorously address high-level corruption cases, and to provide it with adequate means and resources to fully exercise its mandate;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Calls on the Georgian government to take urgent action to depoliticise the judiciary; expects the EEAS and EU Delegation on the ground to monitor all trials in Georgia related to politically motivated cases;
Amendment 126 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 a (new) 10a. Underlines the importance of further strengthening administrative capacity at central and local government level;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 10 b (new) 10b. Regrets that the number of organised crime convictions remains relatively low compared to the estimated value of the criminal market;
Amendment 128 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Georgian authorities to effectively investigate the massive illegal wiretapping revealed in September 2021; is concerned about the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia that increase the number of crimes for which covert investigative actions are permitted and the duration of these actions, which were adopted by the Georgian Parliament on 7 June 2022 and vetoed by the President on 22 June 2022; calls on the
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Georgian authorities to effectively investigate the massive illegal wiretapping revealed in September 2021; is concerned about the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia that increase the number of crimes for which covert investigative actions are permitted and the duration of these actions, which were adopted by the Georgian Parliament on 7 June 2022 and vetoed by the President on 22 June 2022; calls on the
Amendment 13 #
B. whereas in its conclusions of 23-
Amendment 130 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Georgian authorities to effectively investigate the massive illegal wiretapping revealed in September 2021; is concerned about the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia that increase the number of crimes for which covert investigative actions are permitted and the duration of these actions, which were adopted by the Georgian Parliament on 7 June 2022 and vetoed by the President on 22 June 2022; calls on the
Amendment 131 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 11. Calls on the Georgian authorities to effectively investigate the massive illegal wiretapping revealed in September 2021; is concerned about the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code of Georgia that increase the number of crimes for which covert investigative actions are permitted and the duration of these actions, which were adopted by the Georgian Parliament on 7 June 2022 and vetoed by the President on 22 June 2022; calls on the Parliament of
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Expresses its concern over the significant deterioration in recent years of the situation of media and the safety of journalists in Georgia; condemns the increasing number of cases of intimidation, threats, and violence against and persecution of journalists, including an increasing number of criminal investigations against media workers and owners; calls on Georgia to ensure media freedom, which entails editorial independence, transparent media ownership, and pluralistic, impartial and non-discriminatory coverage of political views in programming by private and in particular public broadcasters, and especially during electoral campaign periods, as well as unhindered access to information that is supposed to be publicly available and to ensure the safety, protection and empowerment of journalists and other media professionals; calls on all the representatives of the Georgian authorities to refrain from using aggressive rhetoric and discriminatory treatment towards media representatives in Georgia and to advocate for a tolerant approach respectful of human rights in their public statements;
Amendment 133 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Expresses its concerns about the significant deterioration of the media situation and the safety of journalists in Georgia in recent years, despite Georgia's strong legal framework for freedom of expression and media freedom; calls on Georgia to ensure freedom of the media, which should include editorial independence, transparency of media ownership and pluralistic, impartial and non-discriminatory coverage of political views in the programmes of private and, in particular, public broadcasters, including during election campaigns; calls on Georgia to ensure unhindered access to information that is supposed to be available to the public, and to ensure the safety, protection and empowerment of journalists and other media professionals;
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Calls on all stakeholders to safeguard the pluralistic and diverse media landscape in Georgia, which are based on solid legal framework that should provide a sound basis for freedom of expression and media rights but is under constant pressure from the ruling party; in this regard reminds about the case of Nika Gvaramia, former director of Rustavi 2 and Mtavari TV, outlets critical to the current government, and reiterates its call to release him; Notes the judgement of the Supreme Court of Georgia regarding the financial transparency of media and welcomes the efforts of the Communications Commission aiming at ensuring the availability to the public of detailed information related to funding sources of broadcasters;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Regrets the sentencing of Nika Gvaramia, the director of a critical media Mtavari Arkhi, persecution of founders and directors of other critical media outlets, namely David Kezerashvili of Formula TV and Vakhtang Tsereteli of Pirveli TV, as well as the practice of suing critical media for libel, as putting political pressure on independent media; calls on the Georgian authorities to ensure media freedom and safety of journalists;
Amendment 136 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Reiterates its concern about the serious deterioration of the media situation and the safety of journalists in Georgia; calls on the Georgian authorities to ensure media freedom and a safe working environment for media workers, to put an end to the politically motivated persecution of critical media outlets and their owners, and reiterates its calls for a review of the conviction of Nika Gvaramia;
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Notes that, despite Georgia's legal framework for guaranteeing freedom of expression and freedom of media, there is continued deterioration of the media environment and the safety of journalists;
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 a (new) 11a. Calls on the Georgian government to continue the fight against corruption and state capture, as well as the promotion of public administration reform, modernisation, decentralisation, and good governance;
Amendment 139 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 b (new) 11b. Condemns the deterioration of media freedom in Georgia; urges the Georgian government to cease any political interference on media freedom and pluralism, including on social media; calls on Georgian authorities to stop the politically motivated prosecution of media workers and owners and to respond promptly and effectively investigate allegations of illegal interference and abuse of power towards representatives of the media, as well as to bring laws relating to media freedom, such as the Law on Electronic Communications, in line with international standards and recommendations by the Venice Commission;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas Russia continues to threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia inter alia via Putin’s approval of a new foreign policy doctrine based on ‘Russian World’, a notion previously used to justify military intervention in Georgia in support of Russian speakers; whereas the doctrine promises to further deepen Moscow’s ties with Abkhazia and Ossetia, two Georgian regions recognised as independent by Moscow after its war against Georgia in 2008;
Amendment 140 #
11b. Calls on the Parliament of Georgia to ensure the harmonization of Georgian media laws with the EU Directive on Audiovisual Media Services based on the wide consensus, particularly in the context of an effective co-regulation system, suggested by CSOs and journalists’ unions, which assert that ethical disputes should be resolved by a special professional council, rather than by the Georgian National Communications Commission, the role of which should not exceed its current legal mandate;
Amendment 141 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 b (new) 11b. Notes that the decision of the court to convict the leaders of Lelo for Georgia party, Mamuka Khazaradze and Badri Japaridze, and using the court’s verdict to strip Mr Japaridze of his parliamentary mandate raises further concerns of politicized justice and exacerbates the polarisation;
Amendment 142 #
11b. Condemns the increasing number of cases of intimidation, threats and violence against the persecution of journalists, including an increasing number of criminal investigations into media workers and owners;
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 b (new) 11b. Reminds that Georgia is heavily exposed to Russian disinformation campaigns; recalls that the best way to combat these campaigns is to protect the pluralism and independence of the press;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 b (new) 11b. Calls on the Georgian authorities to review the ongoing criminal cases against media owners or close family members of media outlets critical of the government;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 c (new) 11c. Notes continued Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the Georgian society, including in the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine; calls on the EU institutions and Member States to continue strengthening cooperation with relevant Georgian institutions to address Russian disinformation and its consequences;
Amendment 146 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 c (new) 11c. Calls on Georgia to guarantee media pluralism and ensure transparency of media ownership, as well as to take action to improve media literacy and ensure the protection, safety and empowerment of journalists and other media professionals;
Amendment 147 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 c (new) 11c. Stresses the importance of continuous efforts to increase Georgian society's resistance to Russian propaganda and disinformation and to attempts to influence Georgian politics and public opinion;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 d (new) 11d. Condemns the baseless and harmful rhetoric by high officials of the Georgian government claiming the alleged intention of international partners to “drag Georgia into the war”; regrets the unchallenged spreading of anti-EU propaganda and disinformation in Georgia and calls on the Georgian government to investigate the actors behind the coordinated anti-EU attacks;
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 e (new) 11e. Expects that the Georgian government and authorities take their obligation seriously to provide safety to those sheltering from authoritarian regimes, following reports that non- Georgian journalists experienced harassment and government interference at the Georgian border;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B a (new) Ba. whereas the Russian Federation continues illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia in violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia as well as the EU- mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement;
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 f (new) 11f. Underlines the emphasis the Commission’s opinion gave to multi-level governance, the decentralisation process and public administration reforms to establish successful European-standard local self-government and prevent the concentration of power at the central level;
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 11 g (new) 11g. Insists on the important role of decentralised cooperation between the EU and Georgia to accompany the needed institutional reforms and ensure a sustainable integration process; recalls that granting candidate status to Georgia will have a significant impact on the consolidation of local democracy, local autonomy and decentralisation reforms crucial for the country’s long-term sustainable development, in particular in terms of local governments’ rights, technologies, practices, administrative and financial tools;
Amendment 152 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Condemns the violence committed against peaceful participants of the Tbilisi Pride march on 5-6 July 2021 and the journalists covering the event; strongly denounces the lack of diligent investigations into or prosecutions of those responsible for organising the violence; notes that six perpetrators of the violence were sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison in April 2022; calls on the
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Condemns the violence committed against peaceful participants of the Tbilisi Pride march on 5 July 2021 and the journalists covering the event; strongly denounces the lack of diligent investigations into or prosecutions of those responsible for organising the violence; notes that six perpetrators of the violence were sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison in April 2022; calls on the authorities to ensure the protection of the human rights of vulnerable groups, such as
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 12. Condemns the violence committed against peaceful participants of the Tbilisi Pride march on 5 July 2021 and the journalists covering the event; strongly denounces the lack of diligent
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Remains concerned about the health of imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili; asks EU leaders and countries holding current and upcoming EU presidency, to exert pressure on the Georgian Dream leaders to fully respect Saakashvili’s rights and dignity; reminds that the government of Georgia is fully responsible for his health and well-being; invites the President of Georgia to use her constitutional prerogatives to solve this issue; regrets that the Georgian authorities refuse EU politicians to visit detained prominent public figures;
Amendment 156 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Condemns the sentencing of Nika Gvaramia, the director of the independent TV channel Mtavari, on 16 May 2022; notes that the postponement of Nika Gvaramia's appeal process is unacceptable and reiterates its call for a review of Gvaramia's conviction;
Amendment 157 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to fully implement human rights and anti- discrimination legislation in practice and combat impunity for serious violations; urges for the adoption of the human rights strategy 2021-2030 and action plan;
Amendment 158 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 a (new) 12a. Encourages the authorities to take steps to strengthen gender equality and to effectively implement legislation against gender-based and domestic violence;
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 b (new) 12b. Commends the efforts of the civil society in countering Russian disinformation; notes that Russian propaganda uses the totalitarian past and the cult of Stalin as a tool of influence in Georgia; in this regard welcomes such initiatives as the Soviet Past Research Laboratory (SovLab) aiming to make a proper analysis and exploration of the Soviet totalitarian past, analysing its legacy and creating environment to reflect and debate on this complicated subject;
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B b (new) Bb. whereas Georgia continues to participate in civil and military crisis management operations under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and provides 32 troops to the EU military training mission in the Central African Republic and an officer to the EU Training Mission in Mali;
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 b (new) 12b. Urges the Georgian government to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, and calls on Georgian authorities to ensure the safety of demonstrators;
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 c (new) 12c. Calls on the Georgian authorities to further improve women’s representation and equal treatment at all levels of political, economic and societal life, to eradicate the inequality in the labour market and gender pay-gap, and to adopt gender-sensitive budgets at all levels of government; requests the European Commission and the Council to mainstream gender equality in all its policies, programmes and activities in relation to Georgia;
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 d (new) 12d. Urges the Georgian government and authorities to implement measures against gender-based violence, including domestic violence and femicides, and underlines the importance of stepping up support for survivors, rehabilitation programmes for perpetrators, and awareness-raising campaigns, in particular at the local community level;
Amendment 163 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 12 e (new) 12e. Condemns the continued discrimination of LGBTIQ+ groups and persons, including in labour, health, social and economic areas, as well as their targeting by ultra-nationalist hate groups; demands that the Georgian authorities execute a full investigation into the latter’s inciting of violence against LGBTIQ+ events, including the Tbilisi Pride March of July 2021 and Georgia’s first-ever Pride Week in 2019;
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Reiterates the importance of independent oversight of Georgia’s state institutions; regrets, in this respect, the dismantling of State Inspector’s Service against ODIHR recommendations; highlights the positive role of the public defender of Georgia in protecting human rights, promoting good governance and strengthening the rule of law; condemns the attempts to undermine the independence of the Public Defender of Georgia and to cast doubts over the integrity of the office and its staff; commends Nino Lomjaria, the Public Defender of Georgia, for her actions in safeguarding the freedom of media, despite regular attacks by the government; calls for an inclusive process regarding the selection of the new Public Defender;
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Reiterates the importance of independent oversight of Georgia’s state institutions; regrets, in this respect, the dismantling of State Inspector’s Service against ODIHR recommendations; highlights the positive role of the public defender of Georgia in protecting human rights, promoting good governance and strengthening the rule of law; calls for an inclusive process of selecting the new Public Defender;
Amendment 166 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 13. Reiterates the importance of independent oversight of Georgia’s state institutions;
Amendment 167 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Deplores the fact that the human rights situation in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia remain dire, with ongoing restrictions to the right to freedom of movement, arbitrary detentions, abductions and deprivation of the right to residence, the right to property and the right of access to education in mother tongue; underlines the importance of people-to-people contacts and confidence- building measures between the communities divided by the conflict;
Amendment 168 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Underlines that violence against children in a family context, in residential care, foster care, and educational institutions remains a significant problem; calls on the Georgian authorities to work on the deinstitutionalisation strategy and action plan in line with the requirements of the Code on the Rights of the Child;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Underlines the role of the Public Defender of Georgia in safeguarding the rule of law, democratic and media freedoms; is aware of the crucial role played by this institution in overseeing the compliance of policies and actions of the executive with international human rights standards;
Amendment 17 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B b (new) Bb. whereas more than 65,000 Russians and Belarusians have stayed in Georgia since the launch of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 170 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Emphasises the crucial role in democratic oversight of civil society organisations; calls on the European Commission and the Member States to provide political, technical and financial support to civil society and independent media;
Amendment 171 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Expresses concern regarding the number of Georgian asylum seekers in the EU and calls on the Georgian authorities to increase cooperation with their European partners and take further measures to address this issue;
Amendment 172 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 a (new) 13a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to release former president Mikheil Saakashvili from prison on humanitarian grounds in order to allow him to undergo proper medical treatment abroad;
Amendment 173 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 b (new) Amendment 174 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 b (new) 13b. Calls on the Georgian authorities to release former president Mikhail Saakashvili, whose health has severely deteriorated since he was arrested in October 2021 on his return from exile, from prison on humanitarian grounds;
Amendment 175 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 b (new) 13b. Commends the Georgian government for creating the Inter-Agency Coordinating Committee for the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, under the responsibility of the Prime Minister;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 b (new) 13b. Calls on Georgia to restrict the use of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) targeting human rights defenders and media representatives and thereby inhibiting their critical and independent work;
Amendment 177 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 13 c (new) 13c. Welcomes the adoption of labour law reforms and calls on the government of Georgia to further improve Georgia’s framework for protecting labour rights, including by ensuring an effective Labour Inspection system with adequate competences, capacities and resources, improving core labour legislation to bring it fully in line with ILO standards and EU regulations, enacting a minimum wage in consultation with social partners and labour rights organisations, developing effective social protection schemes for workers, and creating an action plan for the formalisation of the informal sector;
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Underlines that Georgia's unique geographical location represents an important link within the EU Global Gateway though the Economic and Investment Plan and the flagship projects identified by the Plan aimed at, among others, building transport and energy links from Central Asia and Azerbaijan through Georgia to the EU; however, expresses concerns with the level of China's investments in Georgia's infrastructure, in particular strategic ports; therefore calls to move forward with infrastructural projects of strategic importance for developing regional transportation and trade; in this regard expresses its hope that Georgia will accelerate construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, in line with Georgia’s strategic Euro-Atlantic objectives; is concerned, however, about the numerous obstacles of administrative and political nature that continue to hinder the project, as well as with signs of Russian interference;
Amendment 179 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Encourages the Georgian authorities to boost the participation of SMEs in the DCFTA, notably by increasing communication about the opportunities offered by the DCFTA, by enhancing access to export facilities and by making the best possible use of the existing Commission programs ENPARD Georgia and EU4Business;
Amendment 18 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B c (new) Bc. whereas the approval of doctrine was followed by Putin's statement stressing that Moscow will closely observe the conditions of Russian speakers after their large influx to Georgia due to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine;
Amendment 180 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Notes that, according to expert evaluations, the DCFTA has had a positive impact on legislative approximation and institutional development, but it only had a modest impact on trade between the EU and Georgia; calls on the Commission to review the DCFTA's potential to increase trade volumes between the EU and Georgia;
Amendment 181 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Recalls that DCFTAs must always include strong, binding and enforceable sustainable development chapters, that fully respect international commitments, in particular the Paris Agreement, and to be compliant with WTO rules;
Amendment 182 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 a (new) 14a. Calls on the Georgian government to step up its efforts to increase and sustain socio-economic development in order to ensure a rising level of income and regional development;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 b (new) 14b. Further encourages the Georgian authorities to consider that the joint imposition of sanctions against Russia which invaded Georgia and Ukraine and occupies 20 per cent of their territories, constitutes an historic opportunity to ultimately cut ties with the Russian Federation in particular in terms of trade and economic dependency; calls on the EU and Georgia to fully exploit potential of the DCFTA and future pre-accession funds to mitigate adverse effects of such shift/transition; simultaneously expresses its concerns that the growing number of the Russian entities which moved to Georgia after the invasion on Ukraine may lead to a diametrically opposite effect and undermine the efforts set out in AA; calls on the Georgian government to increase the control over Russian money flows and investments in the country and to join EU's anti-money laundering efforts;
Amendment 184 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 b (new) 14b. Stresses the importance for Georgia to align to the EU sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of its unprovoked and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine; notes the influx of Russian citizens to Georgia since the start of the war, including registration of some 7,500 Russian companies, and urges the Georgian authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure that these entities are not able to circumvent the sanctions and support the criminal Putin regime;
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 b (new) 14b. Calls on the Commission to support the full implementation of the DCFTA through coordinated assistance, with a focus on support for SMEs and structural reforms, including development of quality infrastructure to facilitate efficient implementation of the approximated legislation;
Amendment 186 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 b (new) 14b. Calls on the Georgian authorities to undertake crucial steps to unbundle and certify the electricity and gas transmission system operators in order to accelerate the development of renewables and reduce the energy dependence on Russian fossil fuels in line with the REPowerEU Plan;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 b (new) Amendment 188 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 c (new) 14c. Regrets the continued delays in the development of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port following the Georgian Government's cancellation of the project contract with the Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC) in 2020; is deeply concerned by the Panama Papers revelations concerning Bidzina Ivanishvili's investment in the rival Poti port project and the impact of vested interests on key projects as well as overall investors' confidence in Georgia;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 c (new) 14c. Calls on the Commission to support creation of a common roaming space between Georgia and the EU through coordinated assistance with a focus on gradual reduction of international roaming tariffs between Georgia and the EU in line with the EU regulations thus protecting consumers’ rights, as well as assisting gradual approximation of Georgia to the EU acquis and contributing to Georgia’s European integration process;
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B d (new) Bd. whereas constituting an act of violation of territorial integrity of Georgia, the de facto government of Abkhazia is handing over a strategic location of Bichvinta cape, including 115 hectares of sea space and 186 hectares of land, to the Russian Federation;
Amendment 190 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 c (new) 14c. Calls on Georgia to further enhance its engagement in the fight against climate change and the protection of the environment, including through further legislative alignment with the acquis and the European Green Deal policies as well as strengthening Georgia’s administration to enable the green transition;
Amendment 191 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 c (new) 14c. Encourages the intention and efforts of Georgia aimed at joining the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA);
Amendment 192 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 14 d (new) 14d. Regrets that Georgian SMEs export to the EU remains limited as the full potential of the DCFTA opportunities is not utilised; calls on the Georgian government to explore ways to boost SMEs trade with the EU, such as establishing laboratories in Georgia for EU certification of SPS and TBT standards;
Amendment 193 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 a (new) 15a. Welcomes Georgia’s strong commitment to starting the process of becoming the Third Country Associated to Erasmus+ Programme and encourages Georgia’s participation in the new Horizon Europe Program in order to make use of the opportunities for the Georgian scientific and innovation community;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 b (new) 15b. Calls the European Commission and Georgia to consider increasing the number of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) projects in Georgia; at the same time is concerned with the growing Chinese investments in the strategic infrastructure, such as ports;
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 b (new) 15b. Calls on the Commission to extend “Roam-like-at-home” Regulation to Georgia, which has the potential to bring significant benefits for EU and Georgian businesses and citizens;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 c (new) 15c. Calls on the Commission to support creation of a common roaming space between Georgia and the EU through coordinated assistance with a focus on gradual reduction of international roaming tariffs between Georgia and the EU in line with the EU regulations thus protecting consumers’ rights, as well as assisting gradual approximation of Georgia to the EU acquis and contributing to Georgia’s European integration process;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 c (new) 15c. Encourages European Commission, ENTSO-E and Georgia to assess prospects of synchronization of Georgian electricity grid with the European Continental Grid and inclusion of Georgia in Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CESA);
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 c (new) 15c. Underlines Georgia's role as a significant contributor to the EU crisis management (CSDP) operations;
Amendment 2 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 — having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia, in particular, that of 8 June 2022 on violations of media freedom and the safety of journalists and that of 16 September 2020 on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia,
Amendment 20 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B e (new) Be. whereas all buildings and structures will become the property of the Russian Federal Protective Service; whereas de facto government also handed the country's energy infrastructure to Russia;
Amendment 200 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 d (new) 15d. Calls for an increased assistance and enhanced partnership in the area of security and defence with Georgia as declared in the EU Strategic Compass, including through the European Peace Facility; welcomes EU’s commitment and determination to support Georgia in countering hybrid threats;
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 d (new) 15d. Is concerned with a growing import of Russian gas and energy products by Georgia, a step which is in stark contradiction with EU's current efforts to diversify energy sources and stop imports from Russia;
Amendment 202 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 e (new) 15e. Calls on the Council and the EEAS to further engage with Georgia on the CSDP, particularly in view of Georgia’s interest in discussing the possibility of participating in PESCO projects and in developing cooperation with the relevant EU agencies, with a view to enhancing Georgia’s resilience;
Amendment 203 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 e (new) 15e. Reiterates support to the human capital development, strengthening private sector role in Vocational education system management and addressing skills mismatch for better employment possibilities;
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 f (new) 15f. Welcomes Georgia’s strong commitment to starting the process of becoming the Third Country Associated to Erasmus+ Programme and encourages Georgia’s participation in the new Horizon Europe Program in order to make use of the opportunities for the Georgian scientific and innovation community;
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 g (new) 15g. Calls the European Commission and Georgia to consider increasing the number of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) projects in Georgia in order to increase EU-Georgia connectivity;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 15 h (new) 15h. Encourages European Commission, ENTSO-E and Georgia to start working on synchronization of Georgian electricity grid with the European Continental Grid and on the inclusion of Georgia in Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CESA);
Amendment 207 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 16. Underlines the importance of enhanced transport, energy and digital connectivity as a means of making full use of the geographical and economic potential of Georgia at all levels, especially in the medium, small sized and rural municipalities;
Amendment 208 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Welcomes the adoption of the national cybersecurity strategy and action plan 2021-2024; calls on Georgian authorities to work with the EU on strengthening the country’s cyber resilience in line with the EU's best practices and legislation, notably the EU Directive on security of network and information systems;
Amendment 209 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 a (new) 16a. Calls on Georgia to improve its energy sector and connectivity, while ensuring environmental sustainability, in particular preservation of biodiversity and protected sites, during the implementation process, also taking into account local community’s needs;
Amendment 21 #
Motion for a resolution Recital B f (new) Bf. whereas former President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose health has constantly been deteriorating, is still lacking proper care, which causes fears for his life;
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 b (new) 16b. Calls on the European Commission to enhance its role in facilitating communication between the Georgian government, the civil society and SMEs and to distribute core funds to the civil society to boost capacity building and expertise; welcomes and supports the continuation of the Commission programs ENPARD Georgia and EU4Business that supports the development of local civil societies, rural and SMEs development;
Amendment 211 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 b (new) 16b. Welcomes Georgia’s association to Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation programme for 2021-2027, which opens up new opportunities for the Georgian scientific and innovation community, and Georgia’s commitment to starting the process of becoming the Third Country Associated to Erasmus+ Programme;
Amendment 212 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 c (new) 16c. Calls on the Commission to support the efforts of Georgia to position the country as a regional hub for digital connectivity and digital services and promote its digital sovereignty by developing strategic international connectivity and digital services corridors between Europe and various parts of Asia via Georgia;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 c (new) 16c. Welcomes the European assistance programmes in support of digitalisation, such asEU4Digital and EaP Connect, but also highlights the necessity and the efforts made for accessible digital connectivity, notably in rural areas; therewith welcomes the investment initiative for fast broadband for rural settlements;
Amendment 214 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 d (new) 16d. Calls on the Commission to support the creation of a common roaming space between Georgia and the EU through coordinated assistance with a focus on gradual reduction of international roaming tariffs between Georgia and the EU in line with the EU regulations thus protecting consumers’ rights, as well as assisting gradual approximation of Georgia to the EU acquis and contributing to Georgia’s European integration process;
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 d (new) 16d. Urges the European Commission, the Member States and Georgia to increase cooperation on public health resilience, including cooperation between public health authorities, research facilities, and emergency capabilities, as well as to exchange best practice and work with civil society on establishing epidemic strategies focusing on the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly, homeless, seasonal workers, and migrants;
Amendment 216 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 16 e (new) 16e. Calls for the swift adoption of Georgia’s overarching national strategy on public health for 2022-2030 and the accompanying action plan, as well as the new mental-health strategy for 2022-2030 and the accompanying action plan;
Amendment 217 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 17. Reaffirms its commitment to supporting Georgia’s parliamentary democracy through capacity development and reiterates that the Jean Monnet Dialogue is the prime instrument of cooperation between the European and Georgian parliaments;
Amendment 218 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 a (new) 17a. Welcomes the signing of the Jean Monnet Dialogue between the European Parliament and the Georgian Parliament; regrets the delays in implementing the JMD; reiterates the European Parliament's commitment and calls on the Georgian Parliament to start the process as soon as possible;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 17 b (new) 17b. Deplores and condemns the personal attacks against Members of the European Parliament by representatives of the Georgian Dream party; considers these attacks unacceptable and damaging to the mutual relationship between Georgia and the European Union;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas the Russian Federation continues to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia through illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, which is a blatant breach of international law as well as the EU- mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement;
Amendment 220 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 18 a (new) Amendment 23 #
Motion for a resolution Recital C a (new) Ca. whereas the Russian Federation and its occupation regimes are deliberately hampering the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees, forcibly expelled as a result of ethnic cleansing from the Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia;
Amendment 24 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D D. whereas Georgia continues to make progress in its implementation of the AA and the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) and is continuing to align with the EU acquis and EU standards; whereas the Commission notes that “concerns remain in the key areas of rule of law (including the judiciary) and governance, and human rights have suffered significant setbacks” in its 2022 Association Implementation Report on Georgia;
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the Russian Federation continues the process of "creeping" annexation of Georgia’s occupied territories, including through the intentions of holding the so-called referendum in the Tskhinvali region on the matter of “joining” Russia, transfer of the “Bichvinta” property complex and the surrounding area to the Russian Federation, as well as further incorporation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia into military, economic, justice, social and other sectors of the Russian Federation;
Amendment 26 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas a number of crucial laws, such as on the functioning of the judiciary and key appointment procedures, procedures for covert surveillance, and the disbandment of the State Inspector’s Service, were rushed through Parliament without the necessary consultations or analysis of compliance with EU or Council of Europe standards, as noted in the Commission’s 2022 Association Implementation Report on Georgia;
Amendment 27 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas the freedom of media in Georgia has worsened, ranking 89th among 180 countries in 2022 World Press Freedom Index, as opposed to ranking 60th in 2021;
Amendment 28 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D a (new) Da. whereas freedom of expression, freedom of media and the safety of journalists are a cornerstone of a functioning democracy;
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Db. whereas Russia and its proxies continue the policy of ethnic cleansing, discrimination, frequent kidnappings and illegal detentions, damaging of Georgian cultural heritage, erection of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers, lengthy closure of so-called crossing points along the occupation line, as well as other severe forms of human rights violations of Georgians in the occupied territories of Georgia;
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 a (new) Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Db. whereas media freedom in Georgia has deteriorated over the past years, including the safety of journalists; whereas the Georgian media landscape is diverse but also polarised and characterised by sensationalism; whereas the public’s trust in media is very low in Georgia;
Amendment 31 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Db. whereas the 19 April 2021 Agreement, mediated by the President of the European Council, underlined the need to address politicised justice through judicial reform in order to increase the independence, transparency and accountability of the judicial system;
Amendment 32 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D b (new) Db. whereas the Russian Federation continues the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia in blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia;
Amendment 33 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D c (new) Amendment 34 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D c (new) Dc. whereas the media environment of Georgia continues to deteriorate and, in the recent years, an unprecedented high number of violent physical attacks against journalists have occurred in Georgia; whereas in 2022 Georgia fell in the World Press Freedom Index from 60th to 89th place out of 180;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D c (new) Dc. whereas the Russian Federation and its occupation regimes are deliberately hampering the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees, forcibly expelled as a result of ethnic cleansing from the Russia-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia;
Amendment 36 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D c (new) Dc. whereas anti-EU propaganda and disinformation have significantly increased recently in Georgian media and social networks; whereas members of the ruling party continue using polarising and hostile language when referring to the European institutions and their representatives;
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D d (new) Dd. whereas selective investigations and prosecutions targeting those critical of the current government undermine public trust not only in judicial institutions, but also in the Georgian authorities;
Amendment 38 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D d (new) Dd. whereas discrimination against LGBTIQ+ persons is still widespread; whereas gender equality remains a challenge, in particular the issues of gender-based and domestic violence;
Amendment 39 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D e (new) De. whereas Georgia ranked respectively 49th out of 154 countries on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index for 2021 and 55th out of 146 countries for 2022, which notes deteriorations in the fields of educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment;
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 5 b (new) — having regard to the Association Agenda between the European Union and Georgia for 2021-2027, adopted on 16 August 2022,
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D e (new) De. whereas former President Mikheil Saakashvili, whose health has been constantly deteriorating, continues to be incarcerated;
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D f (new) Df. whereas Nika Gvaramia, the director of the TV channel Mtavari, has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison on dubious charges of money laundering, bribery and document forgery;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D g (new) Dg. whereas 20% of Georgian territory continues to be occupied by the Russian Federation;
Amendment 43 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D h (new) Dh. whereas Russia continues to employ disinformation, cyber attacks and other hybrid methods to undermine Georgia's societal and institutional resilience;
Amendment 44 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D i (new) Di. whereas the Russian Federation has intensified the annexation of Georgia’s occupied territories, including through the intentions of holding the so- called 'referendum' in the Tskhinvali/South Ossetia region on the matter of 'joining' the Russian Federation, transfer of the “Bichvinta” property complex and the surrounding area to the Russian Federation, as well as the incorporation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia in military, economic, justice, social and other spheres of the Russian Federation;
Amendment 45 #
Dj. whereas ethnic cleansing, discrimination and other severe forms of human rights violations of Georgians in the Russian occupied territories of Georgia, erection of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers and lengthy closure of so-called crossing points along the 'Administrative Border Line' continue to destabilise Georgia;
Amendment 46 #
Motion for a resolution Recital D k (new) Dk. whereas the Russian Federation and its occupation regimes are deliberately hampering the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees, forcibly expelled as a result of ethnic cleansing from the Russian-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia;
Amendment 47 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1. Welcomes the decision of the
Amendment 48 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 1.
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 1 a (new) 1a. Emphasises that the European perspective, just as the Association Agreement, covers the entire territory of Georgia, including its occupied regions;
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 — having regard to the outcome of the s
Amendment 50 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2.
Amendment 51 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Georgian authorities to uphold the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms and to determinedly pursue the priorities for reform set out in the Commission’s opinion in order to unambiguously demonstrate their political determination to implement the nation’s ambitious European aspirations, as expressed by the application for EU membership that Georgia submitted on 3 March 2022; calls on the Georgian authorities to initiate and lead the work on these priorities in an inclusive manner before the Commission reports on their implementation by the end of 2022; calls on all Georgian political forces to constructively participate in and contribute to these efforts; calls on the Georgian authorities to take into account the Plan of Action "12 steps towards the EU candidacy" elaborated by the civil society organisations and to actively and openly engage CSOs in implementing the key priorities set forward by the EU Commission; stresses that Georgia’s bid for accession to the EU will continue to be assessed based on its own merits and its success in meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership;
Amendment 52 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Georgian authorities to uphold the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms and to determinedly pursue the priorities for reform set out in the Commission’s opinion in order to unambiguously demonstrate their political determination to implement the nation’s ambitious European aspirations, as expressed by the application for EU membership that Georgia submitted on 3 March 2022; calls on the Georgian authorities to initiate and lead the work on these priorities in an inclusive manner before the Commission reports on their implementation by the end of 2022; calls on all Georgian political forces to constructively participate in and contribute to these efforts; stresses that Georgia’s bid for accession to the EU will continue to be assessed based on its own merits and its success in meeting the Copenhagen criteria for EU membership; stresses that fulfilling the political criteria is as much necessary as implementing the formal criteria, and reminds a historical case when accession process was stopped due to democracy problems in an applicant country;
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Georgian authorities to uphold the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms and to determinedly pursue the priorities for reform set out in the Commission’s
Amendment 54 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Georgian authorities to uphold and ensure the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms and to
Amendment 55 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 2. Calls on the Georgian authorities to uphold the highest standards of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental freedoms and to determinedly pursue the priorities for reform set out in the Commission’s opinion in order to unambiguously demonstrate their political determination to implement the nation’s ambitious European aspirations, as expressed by the application for EU membership that Georgia submitted on 3 March 2022;
Amendment 56 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Underlines that the criteria for candidate status should be applied equally to all countries and that the candidate status of countries should be considered on the basis of the same values and criteria, while emphasizes that the accession criteria and the Copenhagen criteria should be binding for all candidates in the accession procedure; at the same time stresses that Georgia and Georgian people deserve the candidate status of the European Union;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Welcomes the Georgian government’s willingness to address the priorities for granting candidate status set out in the Commission’s opinion and encourages all political parties to contribute to the work necessary to fulfil these priorities; emphasises the crucial need to ensure the meaningful involvement of civil society in decision- making processes at all levels;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 2 a (new) 2a. Highlights the important role and full involvement of Georgian civil society in monitoring and supporting democratic reforms; calls for its transparent involvement and active participation in the working groups setup to implement the key priorities identified by the Commission;
Amendment 59 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Encourages Georgia to continue its enhanced cooperation with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as the ‘Associated Trio’ and to use this forum for exchanging best practices on preparations to fulfil the EU membership criteria and for the future accession process;
Amendment 6 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 — having regard to the outcome of the s
Amendment 60 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Encourages Georgia to continue its enhanced cooperation with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as the ‘Associated Trio’ at all levels of governance and to boost regional cooperation via multilevel and multi-institutional dialogue;
Amendment 61 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Encourages Georgia to continue its enhanced cooperation with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova as the ‘Associated Trio’, as well as regional cooperation in the South Caucasus under the EU's Eastern Partnership initiative;
Amendment 62 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 3. Encourages Georgia to continue its enhanced cooperation with Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 (new) Territorial integrity and security
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 3 a (new) 3a. Calls on all the stakeholders to update the terminology used in the context of Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and admit the fact of occupation of Abkhazia / South Ossetia (Tskhinvali) by the Russian Federation, and thus refrain from calling them "breakaway territories" and using the term ABL (Administrative Boundary Line), changing it to "occupied territories" and "Illegal Occupation Line" respectively;
Amendment 65 #
4. Underlines that impunity which followed the 2008 invasion on Georgia is one of the factors that allowed Russia
Amendment 66 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine calls for unity and solidarity on the part of the international community; welcomes the strong response of Georgian society in support of Ukraine; regrets the fact that Georgia has not aligned with EU sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; calls for political alignment by the Georgian authorities and all political stakeholders with EU positions on this important matter, in line with the country’s European ambitions;
Amendment 67 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine calls for unity and solidarity on the part of the international community; welcomes the strong response of Georgian society in support of Ukraine; calls for political alignment by the Georgian authorities and all political stakeholders with EU positions on this important matter, in line with the country’s European ambitions; calls on the authorities to ensure that EU sanctions are not circumvented via Georgia;
Amendment 68 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 4. Underlines that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine calls for
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Is concerned with reports that Russian people and entities are allegedly using Georgia to bypass Western sanctions; calls on the EU institutions to further examine these allegations, in particular various reports, including one by Ukrainian National Agency on Corruption Prevention, about Bidzina Ivanishvili's ties to Russia; should these allegations be confirmed, calls for personal sanctions to be introduced against him and his closest associates;
Amendment 7 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 8 a (new) — having regard to the Joint Staff Working Document on Economic and Investment Plan for Eastern Partnership,
Amendment 70 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 a (new) 4a. Notes with concern the ruling party’s anti-Western rhetoric and continuous assaults on Georgia’s strategic partners undermining long- standing efforts of Georgia to advance on its European path;
Amendment 71 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 b (new) 4b. Calls on the Commission to adopt the release of the former president as a precondition for granting the Candidate Status; reiterates its calls on the Georgian authorities to release Mikhail Saakashvili from prison on humanitarian grounds in order to allow him to undergo proper medical treatment abroad;
Amendment 72 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 4 c (new) 4c. Reiterates its calls on the Council and democratic partners to impose personal sanctions on Ivanishvili for his role in the deterioration of the political process in Georgia;
Amendment 73 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls for the continuation of efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict, including through the Geneva International Discussions, the ongoing activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia; notes with concern the continuation of illegal ‘borderisation’ activities in the occupied regions; calls on the Council to extend the mandate of EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia beyond 14 December 2022 and to provide it with a budget that is commensurate with its tasks to stabilise and normalise the situation and build confidence between the parties in the conflict in an increasingly tense security environment; calls on the EU to continue to pursue all available means and instruments, including the Special Representative (EUSR) for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, the Geneva International Discussions (GID), the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms (IPRMs), the EUMM in Georgia, as well as the policy of non- recognition and engagement in order to achieve a peaceful and durable solution to the Russia - Georgia conflict;
Amendment 76 #
5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls for the continuation of efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict, including through the Geneva International Discussions, the ongoing activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia;
Amendment 77 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls for the continuation of efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict, including through the Geneva International Discussions, the ongoing activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia;
Amendment 78 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls for the continuation of efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Calls on the EEAS to prepare a thorough report of violations of the 2008 ceasefire agreement for which the EU as the mediator of the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement bears special responsibility, identify and communicate clearly the provisions which have still not been fulfilled by the Russian Federation and submit recommendations which could induce the Russian Federation to fulfil its international obligations, notably to withdraw all its military forces from Georgia’s occupied territories and allow establishment of international security mechanisms therein, to allow the EUMM unhindered access to the whole territory of Georgia pursuant to its mandate;
Amendment 8 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 9 a (new) — having regard to Reporters' Without Borders' World Press Freedom Index 2022,
Amendment 80 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Stresses that Georgia must put utmost effort to seize the historic opportunity for EU integration, which opened up due to heroic struggle of Ukraine in the face of military aggression of Russia waged against freedom and democracy and our common values; the main goal of the Kremlin against Georgia is to paralyse the geopolitical will of Georgia so that it would not seek the integration into Euro-Atlantic community, therefore the only way for Georgia to protect itself from the Kremlin’s hybrid and other type of attacks is to do its utmost to ensure fulfilment of all 12 conditions in the nearest future;
Amendment 81 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Condemns the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation; expresses concern over the dire security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, and strongly denounces the violation of right of IDPs and refugees forcibly expelled from Georgia’s occupied territories to return to their homes in safety and dignity;
Amendment 83 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 a (new) 5a. Expresses concern regarding Georgia´s decreasing alignment rate with relevant EU High Representative statements on behalf of the EU and Council Decisions and calls for Georgia to reverse this trend;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Condemns the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation, expresses concern over the dire security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, and strongly denounces the violation of right of IDPs and refugees forcibly expelled from Georgia’s occupied territories as result of ethnic cleansing to return to their homes in safety and dignity;
Amendment 85 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 b (new) 5b. Calls on the Russian Federation to fulfil its international obligations under the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, notably to withdraw all its military and security from Georgia’s occupied territories and allow establishment of international security mechanisms therein, to allow the EUMM unhindered access to the whole territory of Georgia pursuant to its mandate;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 c (new) 5c. Condemns the intensified ethnic discrimination and other forms of violations of human rights of Georgians who remain in the occupied territories; expresses concern over the violation of the right to receive education in native language and consistent impunity, as seen in connection with the fatal cases of murder of Mr Basharuli, Mr Otkhozoria, Mr Tatunashvili and Mr Kvaratskhelia; demands that Russia and its occupation regimes in Sokhumi and Tskhinvali immediately release illegally detained Georgian citizens, reopen the closed so- called crossing points without delay, allow freedom of movement, and stop the policy of ethnic cleansing towards the Georgians residing in the occupied territories;
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 c (new) 5c. Welcomes Georgia's continued efforts to strengthen its international law enforcement cooperation with Europol and the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), including the signature of a new working arrangement between CEPOL and Georgia on 22 June 2022, which will enhance sharing of knowledge, expertise, best practices and coordinated approaches to learning;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 d (new) 5d. Encourages the Georgian authorities to establish a special mechanism for international consultation and coordination similar to the Crimea Platform successfully implemented by Ukraine, aimed at improving the effectiveness of the international response to the ongoing occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, responding to growing security threats, increasing international pressure on the Kremlin, preventing further rights violations and protecting victims of the occupation regime, as well as achieving the main goal - de-occupation of the regions and their return to Georgia;
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution Citation 10 — having regard to the urgent opinion of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission of 26 August 2022 on the Draft Law on the Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code adopted by the Parliament of Georgia on 7 June 2022, its opinion of 20 June 2022 on the December 2021 amendments to the organic law on common courts, its urgent opinion of 2 July 2021 on the amendments to the organic law on common courts, its urgent joint opinion of 5 July 2022 on the revised draft amendments to the election code, its opinion of 8 October 2020 on the draft organic law amending the organic law on common courts and its urgent opinion of 16 April 2019 on the selection and appointment of Supreme Court judges,
Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 e (new) 5e. Calls for an increased assistance and enhanced partnership in the area of security and defence with Georgia as declared in the EU Strategic Compass, including through the European Peace Facility; welcomes EU’s commitment and determination to support Georgia in countering hybrid threats and building resilience;
Amendment 91 #
5f. Calls on the Council and the EEAS to further engage with Georgia on the CSDP, particularly in view of Georgia’s interest in discussing the possibility of participating in PESCO projects and in developing cooperation with the relevant EU agencies, with a view to enhancing Georgia’s resilience, in particular from threats emanating from dictatorships such as the Russian Federation, China and Iran;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 5 g (new) 5g. Welcomes the recognition in the Strategic Compass of the maritime security in the Black Sea as of key importance for the EU’ security; calls on the EU to identify robust assistance to Georgia in cyber-security, maritime security and countering hybrid threats among the priorities of the EU-US and EU-NATO cooperation;
Amendment 93 #
6. Regrets that deep polarisation continues to be the defining feature of Georgia’s political environment
Amendment 94 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Regrets that deep polarisation continues to be the defining feature of Georgia’s political environment; calls on all political stakeholders to unite their
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6. Regrets that deep polarisation continues to be the defining feature of Georgia’s political environment; calls on all political stakeholders to unite their forces around the key goal of Georgia’s EU membership through the implementation of ambitious democratic, judicial and anti- corruption reforms; reiterates that the core provisions of the EU-brokered agreement of 19 April 2021 continue to present a pathway towards strengthening democracy and the rule of law in Georgia, and invites Georgia’s ruling party and the opposition to recommit to full implementation of 19 April Agreement;
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 6.
Amendment 97 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Stresses that addressing the issue of political polarisation, through ensuring cooperation across political parties in the spirit of the April 19 agreement, is at the top of the recommendations laid out by the European Commission and must be addressed as an immediate priority; regrets that instead the Georgian ruling party representatives embarked on a blame-game against the opposition parties and NGOs;
Amendment 98 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Calls on the Georgian authorities to follow European Commission's recommendation and ensure credible involvement of civil society in decision- making processes at all levels;
Amendment 99 #
Motion for a resolution Paragraph 6 a (new) 6a. Emphasises the need to build and increase trust among all political and institutional actors, as well as between them and the Georgian people;
source: 736.386
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