The leaders of Germany, France, and Poland criticized the actions of the Georgian government, which they believe have undermined democratic institutions.

In a joint statement on Georgia's Independence Day, the leaders said they “condemn all actions by the Georgian authorities that lead to a retreat from democracy and attacks on civil society, the media, and critics of the government.”

Georgia has been in political crisis since the parliamentary elections in October, when the declared victory of Georgian Dream sparked massive protests. The opposition accuses the ruling party of authoritarianism and pro-Moscow leanings, which the latter denies.

The crisis deepened in November when the government announced that it was suspending all negotiations on the country's accession to the European Union, a long-standing goal of the former Soviet republic, until 2028.

“We want to send a message of friendship and solidarity to the Georgian people and confirm our unwavering support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the three European leaders said, quoted by AFP.

“We support the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people. These aspirations reflect the desire to be part of the European family,” they added.

The three leaders called for respect for freedom of expression and assembly, as well as for the Georgian authorities to resume dialogue with the opposition and civil society.

They also called on the Georgian authorities to amend laws that contradict European standards and to resume the process of necessary reforms.

The Georgian people should not be deprived of the opportunities associated with Georgia's rapprochement with the EU. | BGNES