TBILISI, October 13 – The European Union’s new border control system came into effect on October 12, replacing traditional passport stamps with biometric screening for travelers entering or leaving the bloc. The system, officially called the Entry/Exit System (EES), applies to citizens of all non-EU countries. From now on, border guards at airports and land … Read more
TBILISI, October 13 – A pro-government civic group in Georgia has called for a referendum to decide whether the country should continue seeking membership in the European Union. The group, United Neutral Georgia, argues that a newly adopted EU strategy on LGBT rights crosses a “red line” for Georgia’s relations with Brussels. The European Commission … Read more
TBILISI, October 6 – Georgia’s government rejected criticism from the European Union Sunday, following the country’s local elections, and violent clashes in Tbilisi branded a “peaceful revolution” by parts of the opposition. In a joint statement, EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said the elections … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed the resolution passed by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), calling it “another attack on the Georgian people.” Speaking one day after the PACE vote, Kobakhidze said the resolution revealed the “serious problems” in Europe’s bureaucracy and that it includes passages that … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has passed a strongly worded resolution questioning the state of democracy and rule of law in Georgia. Out of 77 delegates, 68 voted in favor, 7 against, and 2 abstained. The resolution, titled “Democracy and Rule of Law in Georgia,” warns that … Read more
TBILISI, October 2 – Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called Georgia “the most successful European country” ahead of the European Political Community (EPC) summit in Copenhagen today. Speaking before the meeting, Orbán praised Georgia’s economic performance and said he would meet Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during the summit. The Georgian PM is scheduled to … Read more
TBILISI, September 30 – The Czech government has added five Georgian officials to its national sanctions list, citing their role in violent crackdowns on protests in Tbilisi. According to Czech media, those targeted include Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, who the Czech Foreign Ministry said publicly defended the use of force against demonstrators. Also sanctioned … Read more
TBILISI, September 29 – Moldova’s pro-European ruling party has emerged as the frontrunner in the country’s parliamentary elections, according to near-final results released by the Central Election Commission. With 99.78% of ballots counted, the Action and Solidarity Party (PAS) secured 50.14% of the vote, placing it just over the threshold for an outright majority in … Read more
TBILISI, September 25 – Two party tops in the former ruling UNM demand that the European Union must only slap visa sanctions on their country’s political leaders, not its people. This is the message chair Tina Bokuchava and deputy chair Levan Sanikidze brought with them as they toured the famously noisy European Parliament as well … Read more
TBILISI, September 22 – Lithuania’s foreign minister says the European Union must move quickly to launch a backup plan that would allow accession talks with Ukraine to begin, even as Hungary continues to block the process. Speaking to the Ukrainian outlet European Pravda, Kęstutis Budrys said he believes there is indeed a way to speed … Read more