Georgia is a candidate country, but if it adopts the "Foreign Agents" law, it should not expect to be able to become a member of the European Union, said European Parliamentarian Sven Mikser during the debate on the draft law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence".

According to him, unfortunately, the government of Georgia is becoming increasingly illiberal and anti-European.

"The absolute majority of the population of Georgia sees their future in the European Union. The current government of Georgia, the ruling party, "Georgian Dream", also declares that it wants to join the European Union. Unfortunately, what "Georgian Dream" does is different. Unfortunately, in terms of democracy and rule of law, Georgia has retreated in recent years. They have a problem with basic freedom, independence of the judicial system, media freedom. with LGBTQ+ rights. The European Parliament and Georgian civil society pointed out this shortcoming. Unfortunately, the government of Georgia is becoming more and more illiberal and anti-European. Unfortunately, the "foreign agents" law is another example of the path Georgia seems to be following. This bill, if passed, will limit the scope of civil society, reduce freedom of expression and open the way for discrimination. Unfortunately, this will have its consequences on Georgia's European aspirations. Georgia is a candidate country, but if it adopts the law on "foreign agents", it should not expect to be able to become a member of the European Union", said Sven Mikser.