One of the main topics of discussion in the European Parliament was Georgia and the occupation. The debate took place during the discussion of the report on the implementation of the Association Agreement with the European Union.

MEPs shared their impressions on Georgia’s reform of its electoral system and on progress made under the Association Agreement earlier today during a debate.

In an address read by MEP Kati Piri, MEP Sven Mikser said that Georgia had carried out ambitious reforms and achieved a lot.

“This report underscores the need for continued reforms in Georgia to guarantee freedom of the media and independence of the judiciary. Georgia has recently gone through a period of tension between the government and the political opposition over the changes in the electoral system, and at the end of June, the country’s Parliament passed constitutional amendments aimed at ensuring greater proportional representation… The report emphasizes the need for freedom of the media and the need for equal access to the media for all political parties during this important election campaign. Elections will be held in October and I hope that if the COVID-19-related situation allows us to do so, the European Parliament will send an observation mission”, - said Mikser.

He also talked about Russian occupation and condemned the so-called “borderization”.

“We should not forget that one fifth of the country is occupied. Hundreds of thousands of people are unable to return to their homes and their fundamental rights and freedoms are being violated. Georgia is the target of Russia’s hybrid actions. The report condemns the ongoing provocative actions and “borderization”, - added the MEP.

MEP Anna Fotyga said that despite obstacles and difficulties Georgia maintains its Euro-Atlantic orientation and especially in terms of security and defense.

“I call on the Georgian authorities to ensure free, fair and transparent elections. I also call for the release of Giorgi Rurua in order to implement the March 8 agreement reached with all opposition leaders”, - said Fotyga.

MEP Marina Kaljurand said that the Georgian people deserve our solidarity. She also welcomed Georgia’s recent electoral reform and called on the government as well as opposition parties in Georgia to ensure objective, fair and free elections.

Georgia demonstrates democratic strength, economic development, therefore we should welcome the cooperation of this parliament with the Georgian parliament, which will be elected in October, said Josep Borell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

“Now is an important time for Georgia. I came to Georgia at a difficult time, more difficult than now. Georgia demonstrates democratic strength, economic development, therefore we should welcome the cooperation of this Parliament with the Parliament of Georgia, which will be elected in October. We should also not be ashamed to remind Georgia that it is necessary to fully implement the reform agenda. Problems at their borders should not be an argument not to solve problems that only the Georgian people can solve. The EU will continue to support Georgia”, – said Borell.