A high-level delegation of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament is travelling to Georgia today to meet and express their strong support for Georgia’s civil society, independent media, and democratic forces.

The delegation includes Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president responsible for EU enlargement, Nacho Sánchez Amor, S&D coordinator for foreign affairs, and Tobias Cremer, S&D shadow rapporteur for Georgia.

During their two-day visit to Tbilisi, the S&D MEPs will meet with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organisations, activists, independent journalists, opposition political parties, and Salome Zourabichvili, the fifth president of Georgia. Discussions will focus on the state of democracy and the rule of law, the recent local elections, as well as the future of EU-Georgia relations.

Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president, said ahead of the mission:

"We will be in Georgia to meet those societal and political actors in Georgia that aim to bring the country forward on its path towards solid democracy, genuine rule of law, fair economic and social prosperity for all, and closer cooperation with the EU. We will also meet with representatives of the courageous people who have spent over 300 days peacefully protesting against the erosion of democracy and defending their constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms, and a European future for their country. Despite rigged parliamentary elections last year, and now another mockery of democracy in the recent local vote, Georgians have not given up their dream of a democratic and European Georgia. We continue standing by their side and support the wish of the Georgian people to live in a prosperous and democratic country that fully respects fundamental freedoms, protects human rights, and guarantees an open society, independent media and free and fair elections.

"Let it be clear: the Georgian people are not the regime. While we condemn the democratic backsliding, including in the context of the most recent local elections, we will continue engaging with the people of Georgia and those who defend democratic principles and values."

Notes to editors:

Brussels-based journalists wishing to speak with the S&D MEPs upon their return from Tbilisi are invited to contact: inga.czerny-grimm@europarl.europa.eu [1]