Joint statement by the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, MEP Marina KALJURAND, and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Georgia, MEP Sven MIKSER and the DEG Lead Member on Georgia, MEP Viola VON CRAMON TAUBADEL, on the resolution of the political crisis in Georgia.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the agreement reached on 19 April between the ruling Georgian Dream party and the majority of the opposition parties to put an end to Georgia’s political stalemate by signing the new detailed proposal for “A Way ahead for Georgia” put forward by European Council President Charles Michel.

The new text builds on the previous proposals brokered by Special Envoy Christian Danielsson, addressing more comprehensively the issues of politicised justice, the improvement of the electoral framework and judicial reform.

We do believe that this proposal is politically balanced and places the needs and legitimate expectations of all Georgian citizens at the centre of the debate. It offers a way out of the current political impasse and can help to reduce the political polarisation that has poisoned Georgia’s political life for too long. The proposal gives fresh impetus to the consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, thus matching Georgia’s European aspirations.

We solemnly call on the remaining opposition parties and individual Members of Parliament to show the same courage for the greater good of Georgia.

For this political crisis to be totally and definitively behind us, we hope that the Parliament of Georgia becomes fully functioning in the nearest future and ensures that the agreement is thoroughly implemented in word and spirit.

The European Parliament remains ready to continue its close cooperation with the Parliament of Georgia by providing assistance, among others via parliamentary electoral dialogues and mediation between the different political factions”, - reads the statement.