CoE Congress adopts resolution on Georgia

The resolution, supported by 101 members with 10 against, expresses deep concern over democratic backsliding and weakening human rights in the country. It highlights growing societal polarization and the adoption of legislation that contradicts Council of Europe standards.“Over the past two years has had an increasingly negative impact on local democracy in Georgia. This has intensified in the aftermath of the 2024 parliamentary elections, which were rejected by all opposition parties, as well as domestic and some international election observers, notably due to concerns over their integrity, and following the decision to halt Georgian EU accession on 28 November 2024,” the resolution reads.It also notes that “following the highly controversial adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence and the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) adopted in first reading, NGOs and dissenting voices in the media, which work under increasingly challenging conditions, have been increasingly subjected to intimidation and stigmatisation. This undermines their freedom of association and freedom of expression. In a democratic society, freedom of expression must be protected, supported and promoted irrespective of whether it is critical of the government, and even if it is influenced by international discourse.The brutal repression of peaceful protesters and opponents by law-enforcement authorities in many cities, and particularly in the capital city of Tbilisi, has violated both the freedoms of expression and assembly. Moreover, freedom of assembly in Georgia has been negatively affected by recent amendments to legislation that increase sanctions and offences related to public demonstrations, which according to the Venice Commission introduced “vague and broadly framed provisions, granting the authorities [including local authorities] excessively broad discretion in their application”. This situation has forced local authorities to take decisions that do not comply with democratic standards.The instrumentalisation of public institutions, including at local level, has resulted in numerous reports of dismissals, intimidation and pressure on civil servants. This has been facilitated by the adoption of amendments to the Law on Public Service.”It also addresses concerns expressed in recent reports by international and local observers “regarding the politicisation of public administration, widespread misuse of administrative resources and pressure on voters during electoral campaigns, which unduly tilt the playing field between candidates and distort the will of voters.”“The legal framework applicable to local elections in Georgia has been amended more than 20 times since the last elections, without extensive consultations and broad consensus. This is not in line with the principle of stability of electoral law. The amendments have moreover reinforced the dominant position of the ruling party in the Central Election Commission, undermining its independence, and have also wound back fundamental rules pertaining to the electoral system, gender quotas and the establishment of electoral districts.It notes with concern that these serious shortcomings and challenges affecting the respect of democracy, rule of law and human rights have led to a collapse in public confidence in democratic institutions for large parts of the Georgian population, and notably the young people, and damaged local democracy, which is not conducive to holding the 2025 local elections in a trust-based environment; in fact, it risks exacerbating the situation,” the document reads.

Georgian Foreign Relations Committee delegation pays official visit to...

According to the Georgian Parliament, during the visit, Nikoloz Samkharadze and the delegation met with several Serbian officials, including the Vice-Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Marina Ragush, and members of her committee, as well as Vice-Speaker Elvira Kovac, who chairs the European Integration Committee.The meetings focused on the friendly relations between Georgia and Serbia and explored various areas of cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of advancing diplomatic relations, particularly, to establish full-fledged embassies in both countries soon.Discussions also covered issues related to EU accession, the necessary reforms to achieve this goal, and the exchange of experiences. The parties welcomed the entry of the Serbian airline into the Georgian aviation market, which is set to commence regular flights on the Belgrade-Tbilisi route starting June 15.“Georgia and Serbia share numerous commonalities. First and foremost, we are both candidate countries for EU membership, and our foreign policy objective is to join the EU. It is important to highlight that both countries face challenges regarding territorial integrity and similar domestic political issues. We enjoy strong political relations and unconditionally support each other’s territorial integrity, which should foster closer ties. We hope that in the coming months, a Serbian embassy will be established in Tbilisi, while Georgia’s diplomatic mission in Serbia will transition into a full-fledged embassy. There is significant potential for growth in trade and tourism,” stated Nikoloz Samkharadze.The Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee also extended an invitation to his Serbian counterparts for an official return visit to Tbilisi.During the visit, members of the Foreign Relations Committee engaged with representatives of Serbian delegations to the OSCE and the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, discussing cooperation between the two countries within the framework of these Parliamentary Assemblies. Meetings were also held with the Serbian Institute of International Politics and Economics analysts.The delegation includes Mariam Lashkhi, the First Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and Irakli Mezurnishvili, a committee member.

EU Integration Committee Chair: Unclear who Germany has restricted; po...

“This is yet another lifeline from the outgoing German government aimed at the fading protests and the disappeared opposition. It appears to be a self-serving move by those forces that seem to be behind the street violence. With insufficient public support to block the streets, they are attempting to reignite the fading protests through such measures. Their main motivation appears to be leaving some form of ‘legacy’ for the new German government rather than seeking to harm bilateral relations.As for our expectations, we do not set any special ones. Our focus is clear: to foster bilateral and multilateral relationships based on shared interests. If there is genuine German interest, we can find common ground. We are committed to enhancing these relations and removing all possible barriers. We hope the new German government shares this motivation. If so, we will have many opportunities for collaboration, although the ultimate outcome will depend on their stance,” Makhashvili concluded.

Khazaradze's case to be sent to Prosecutor's Office for non-attendance...

“Mamuka Khazaradze made it clear through his Facebook post that he would not attend the commission meeting today, nor at any point soon,” Tsulukiani stated.“Given his remarks, I propose we vote to submit his case to the Prosecutor’s Office. According to Article 349 of the Criminal Code, failing to comply with the commission’s requirements can result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment for up to one year.”Regarding Badri Japaridze, also a leader of Lelo, Tsulukiani revealed that he might have a more significant role in the Magniti LTD case but did not respond to calls from the commission’s secretariat.“I find it concerning that he chose not to answer, and I can’t assume that these two had coordinated their absences beforehand,” she added.In his Facebook post, Khazaradze referred to the “illegitimate parliament” and dismissed the meeting as a “circus show.”Today’s interim facts-finding commission meeting will address the Magniti LTD case. Businessman Jemal Leonidze has accused TBC Bank, Mamuka Khazaradze, Badri Japaridze, and former Defense Minister Davit Kezerashvili of seizing his property.

Kavelashvili rejects Zourabichvili's lawsuit against Law on Transparen...

“The law ensures transparency and accountability, reinforcing Georgia’s national sovereignty and stable development.It aims to inform the public about the funding sources of organizations advocating foreign interests.Based on these principles, President Kavelashvili decided to reject the lawsuit,” the Presidential Administration stated.