Joint statement on Independence Day of Georgia.

On the occasion of the Independence Day of Georgia, with Mr Donald Tusk, Prime minister of the Republic of Poland, and Mr Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, we would like to send a message of friendship and solidarity to the Georgian people, and reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Georgia.

We support the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people. These aspirations reflect a willingness to be part of the European family.

We, therefore, condemn all activities of the Georgian authorities resulting in the democratic backsliding and the attacks against civil society, media and government critics. Freedom of expression and of assembly must be upheld. Reports of excessive violence must be investigated. Laws that contradict European standards must be amended and the much-needed reform process must be picked up again.

The Georgian authorities need to re-establish a dialogue with opposition and civil society.

The people of Georgia should not be deprived of the opportunities associated with the country’s European path.