Joint statement of the Spokespersons of the EU High Representative/Vice-President and of the U.S. Department of State on the EU mediation (issued April 18)

After nearly six months of negotiations, the citizens of Georgia have made clear that they want the political crisis to end, and for all elected members to work together in parliament and address the serious challenges facing the country, including the regional challenges, COVID, and the economic crisis.

With this in mind, the European Union and the United States call on all members of Georgia’s parliament to sign the agreement that European Council President Michel will propose today. This is an agreement all members can sign in good faith rather than a unilateral action that undermines the goal of a broad-based agreement.

The institutional reforms in the agreement represent important progress for Georgia’s democratic development and are of significant benefit for its citizens, helping to create a more independent judiciary, stronger electoral processes, and a parliament that can better reflect the voices of all people of Georgia.

Accepting this compromise demonstrates courage and a commitment by all parties to put the needs of the citizens of Georgia first, ahead of the interests of any one political party.