The adoption of the legislative package on foreign funding and political activity by the Georgian Parliament on 4 March is part of a systematic effort of the Georgian authorities to restrict the country's democratic and civic space.

The new legislation establishes an extensive system of state control over political activity in the country. It introduces potential criminal liability for individuals or entities receiving support from foreign sources. Its vague provisions create profound legal uncertainty and major risks of arbitrary and selective enforcement.

By adopting this legislative package, the Georgian authorities further disregard their international human rights obligations, their commitments taken in the EU-Georgia Association Agreement and move further away from the objective of EU membership enshrined in the Constitution of Georgia. This in addition to the actions already taken by Georgian authorities, leading to the unjust detention of politicians, journalists and activists that must be released immediately.

Georgian authorities' actions have consequences. Today, for instance, in response to Georgia's deliberate and persisting violation of the commitments in key areas of democracy and fundamental rights under its visa-free regime, the Commission is suspending visa-free travel for Georgian holders of diplomatic, service or official passports under the revised Visa Suspension Mechanism.

In this context, it is important to recall the depth and substance of the cooperation that has developed between the European Union and Georgia over the years. The EU and its Member States have consistently shown their commitment to Georgia's prosperity and stability, offering reliable support during critical moments, including through its monitoring mission EUMM since 2008.

The EU stood by Georgia and its population side during times of economic crisis, providing financial support. Following Russian restrictions affecting Georgian exports, the EU expanded trade opportunities for Georgian producers. Unlike Georgian holders of diplomatic, service or official passports, citizens of Georgia can travel to the EU visa-free. Young people from Georgia are welcomed in the EU through hundreds of scholarships. The EU's support for Georgia's security, territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders is unwavering. We opened the door for Georgia to join the EU family by granting it candidate status in 2023. The EU will continue to reaffirm its readiness to support the Georgian people on their European path.

The Georgian authorities put this longstanding partnership at very serious risk and are regrettably moving Georgia further away from the EU path, a goal enjoying the support of the vast majority of Georgian people. At this point in time, we note with deep regret that Georgia is a candidate country in name only.