The European Parliament heard arguments for a resolution titled “Violations of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia” during the plenary session. The Parliament is set to vote to on the resolution today, June 9.

“Some months ago, in this House, we adopted with a very large majority a resolution that called for candidate status to Ukraine. Some weeks ago, we had a good discussion with President of Moldova and recognized the achievements of Moldova’s EU integration. And today we are discussing violation of media freedom and safety of journalists in Georgia. I was not among the initiators of the resolution, I do not consider it being in urgency, but I agree with my colleagues, that there are problems in Georgia that I have also mentioned as the co-chair of EU-Georgia PAC [Parliamentary Association Committee]. The country that some years ago was a frontrunner among our Eastern Partners has recently unfortunately lost its speed and steadfast commitment to the democratic reforms.

I urge Georgian politicians from the governing party as well as from opposition: take today’s discussion as a last wake up call. Put aside party interests, stop blaming each other, and start working together on democratic reforms so needed in Georgia. Window of opportunity is still open. That is what Georgian people are expecting from you”, - said Marina Kaljurand, (S&D, Estonia).

“The EU would continue protecting media freedoms in Georgia even if it means openly criticizing the policies of those in power. These is no room for political meddling in the media.

Where the European Parliament once hoped for the goodwill and understanding of Georgian authorities, they it demands a change in the state’s policy and attitude. It is time for Tbilisi to understand what is at stake for the future of the country”, - said MEP Petras Auštrevičius (Renew, LT).

The cross-party resolution was authored by MEPs Miriam Lexmann, Sven Mikser, Petras Auštrevičius, Markéta Gregorová, Anna Fotyga, and Miguel Urbán Crespo. MEPs Andrius Kubilius, Marina Kaljurand, Karin Karlsbro, Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, Joachim Kuhs, Ryszard Czarnecki, Peter Pollak, and Andrea Cozzolino also addressed the session during arguments for the resolution.