Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report the discussion relating to recent developments in Georgia at the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27280/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I regularly discuss the situation in Georgia with my EU counterparts. Most recently, at the Foreign Affairs Council earlier this week, we discussed Georgia’s current trajectory and the European Union’s response.

Ireland deeply regrets the Georgian government’s decision to pass the ‘On Transparency of Foreign Influence’ law. The law is a clear attempt by the Georgian government to limit Georgian civil society, and freedom of expression. The European Commission and the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe have assessed that the law is not in line with core EU principles.

Ireland and its European Union partners have repeatedly communicated to the Georgian government concern over the effect this law will have on Georgia’s vibrant civil society and independent media. We have condemned the disproportionate police response to peaceful protestors, and are concerned by evidence of targeted attacks against opposition politicians and media officials.

This is part of a wider pattern of democratic backsliding in Georgia in recent months. We have been clear in our engagements with Georgia that the European Union is a union of values, and the best way to secure Georgia’s progress towards EU membership is by demonstrating genuine commitment to European values and to the human rights of all citizens.

At this week's Foreign Affairs Council, discussion focused on finding the best avenue to communicate to the Georgian government that its recent actions are incompatible with an EU perspective. While Ireland is fully supportive of EU enlargement, Georgia cannot continue along the path to EU membership based on its current trajectory.

The Foreign Affairs Council also discussed increasing support for Georgian civil society and independent media, including ahead of the October 2024 elections. The EU will also review its financial support to Georgia in light of the situation.

Ireland, along with our EU partners, will continue to monitor the situation and will respond to any further deterioration. We will continue to urge the Georgian government to change course and to implement the necessary reforms to ensure Georgia’s future in the EU.