European lawmakers demand investigation and sanctions over alleged election fraud in Georgia

Lawmakers from a broad coalition of European nations on Wednesday issued a powerful call for international scrutiny over alleged electoral irregularities in Georgia. They urged the establishment of an international commission to investigate the accusations, proposed targeted sanctions against officials and political leaders, and recommended the European Union consider a review of Georgia’s visa-free access.

In a joint statement signed by representatives from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Moldova, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the European Parliament, the lawmakers emphasized the severity of the allegations. “As the allegations at hand are so serious, only an independent international inquiry can address and investigate these elections and all reported violations in the pre-electoral period and during the elections,” they declared.

The European lawmakers’ statement also calls for sanctions against those allegedly involved in compromising the electoral process. “We call on the European Union and trans-Atlantic allies to impose sanctions on the officials and political leaders of Georgia, including Bidzina Ivanishvili, who are responsible for violations of the electoral process, including for the use of state institutions and administrative resources,” reads the document.

Additionally, the statement urges the EU to review the visa-free travel arrangement currently in place with Georgia, a measure that could be revoked if conditions are not met. “We know how important visa freedom is, especially for young people. We call on the EU Commission and Council to reexamine the visa liberalisation regime with Georgia without excluding the possibility of its full suspension,” the lawmakers stated.

Furthermore, the document proposes a suspension of EU financial aid to Georgian state institutions, with exceptions for projects supporting civil society and rule-of-law initiatives. “We urge a freeze of all EU funds engaged in assistance and cooperation projects with Georgian state and public institutions, save those dedicated to supporting civil society and the establishment of rule-of-law structures,” the document reads.

Finally, the document encourages international allies to increase support for Georgia’s civil society and independent media, underlining the importance of reinforcing democratic practices and respect for the rule of law.