Juknevičienė: EU will respond if Georgia’s leadership follows Lukashenko’s path

During Tuesday’s European Parliament debate on Georgia, MEP Rasa Juknevičienė stated that if Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, continues on a path similar to that of Belarus under President Lukashenko, the European Union would be compelled to respond and reassess its relationship with the country, including visa liberalization.

Juknevičienė highlighted the EU’s concerns over Georgia’s democratic trajectory, stressing that the Georgian government’s actions are incompatible with the aspirations of its people for European integration.

“You cannot be pro-European and at the same time support the Kremlin. You cannot support the European way of life and at the same time support Stalin’s path. The European Parliament will closely monitor the upcoming elections. We reiterate that the elections must fully comply with international standards. If Georgian Dream continues on Lukashenko’s path, the European Union will be forced to respond and reassess its relations with Georgia, including the achievements like visa liberalization,” she stated.

The MEP also expressed concern over the treatment of former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, urging his immediate and unconditional release. Juknevičienė cautioned the Georgian government, stating that it would be held accountable if Saakashvili’s health deteriorated while in custody.

Juknevičienė further emphasized the importance of upcoming elections, urging that they be conducted following international standards. She underscored the critical role of the Georgian people in shaping their nation’s future, hoping they would choose the path that leads to a democratic European family.

“The future of Georgia is in the hands of the Georgian people. No one else bears more responsibility for the future of the country than the people themselves. We hope that they will choose the path toward a democratic European family,” Juknevičienė concluded.