Activities of Anna FOTYGA related to 2021/2236(INI)
Shadow reports (1)
REPORT on the implementation of the EU Association Agreement with Georgia
Amendments (30)
Amendment 10 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital A
Recital A
A. whereas Georgia submitted its application for EU membership on 3 March 2022 in the context of Russia’s military aggression against Ukrainenew geopolitical situation resulting from Russia’s full-scale military aggression against Ukraine, providing a unique window of opportunity for fulfilling aspirations of Georgian people and successive governments since the Rose Revolution of 2003;
Amendment 22 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C a (new)
Recital C a (new)
Ca. whereas the Russian Federation continues to violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia through illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, which is a blatant breach of international law as well as the EU- mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement;
Amendment 25 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D a (new)
Recital D a (new)
Da. whereas the Russian Federation continues the process of "creeping" annexation of Georgia’s occupied territories, including through the intentions of holding the so-called referendum in the Tskhinvali region on the matter of “joining” Russia, transfer of the “Bichvinta” property complex and the surrounding area to the Russian Federation, as well as further incorporation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia into military, economic, justice, social and other sectors of the Russian Federation;
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D b (new)
Recital D b (new)
Db. whereas Russia and its proxies continue the policy of ethnic cleansing, discrimination, frequent kidnappings and illegal detentions, damaging of Georgian cultural heritage, erection of barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers, lengthy closure of so-called crossing points along the occupation line, as well as other severe forms of human rights violations of Georgians in the occupied territories of Georgia;
Amendment 35 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D c (new)
Recital D c (new)
Dc. whereas the Russian Federation and its occupation regimes are deliberately hampering the safe and dignified return of IDPs and refugees, forcibly expelled as a result of ethnic cleansing from the Russia-occupied Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia;
Amendment 49 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Emphasises that the European perspective, just as the Association Agreement, covers the entire territory of Georgia, including its occupied regions;
Amendment 63 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Paragraph 3 – subparagraph 1 (new)
Territorial integrity and security
Amendment 64 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3 a (new)
Paragraph 3 a (new)
3a. Calls on all the stakeholders to update the terminology used in the context of Georgia's territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders and admit the fact of occupation of Abkhazia / South Ossetia (Tskhinvali) by the Russian Federation, and thus refrain from calling them "breakaway territories" and using the term ABL (Administrative Boundary Line), changing it to "occupied territories" and "Illegal Occupation Line" respectively;
Amendment 65 #
4. Underlines that impunity which followed the 2008 invasion on Georgia is one of the factors that allowed Russia’'s war of aggression against Ukraine calls for unity and solidarity on the part; is of the opinion that the Ukrainian victory not only will bring freedom to occupied Donbas and Crimea, but also will be decisive for the restoration of the international communityritorial integrity of Georgia; welcomes the strong response of Georgian society in support of Ukraine; calls for political alignment by the Georgian authorities and all political stakeholders with EU positions on this important matter, in line with the country’s European ambitions;
Amendment 69 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4 a (new)
Paragraph 4 a (new)
4a. Is concerned with reports that Russian people and entities are allegedly using Georgia to bypass Western sanctions; calls on the EU institutions to further examine these allegations, in particular various reports, including one by Ukrainian National Agency on Corruption Prevention, about Bidzina Ivanishvili's ties to Russia; should these allegations be confirmed, calls for personal sanctions to be introduced against him and his closest associates;
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Reiterates its steadfast support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders; calls for the continuation of efforts to achieve a negotiated peaceful resolution of the conflict, including through the Geneva International Discussions, the ongoing activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia; notes with concern the continuation of illegal ‘borderisation’ activitiesto strengthen efforts to reverse consequences of Russia's invasion on Georgia in 2008, including through the effective and result- oriented functioning of Incident Prevention and Response Mechanisms(IPRMs) in Gali and Ergneti, the ongoing activities of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia and the efforts of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia as well as the policy of non- recognition and punishment for atrocities and crimes committed by the aggressor and its proxies; emphasizes that any security formats which include the Russian Federation proved to be ineffective, which include the case of the Geneva International Discussions, lasting already for 14 years; notes with concern the continuation of illegal ‘borderisation’ activities, illegal detentions, kidnappings and restriction on freedom of movement along the occupation line; in the occupied regions; calls on the Council to extend the mandate of EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia beyond 14 December 2022 and to provide it with a budget that is commensurate with its tasks to stabilise and normalise the situation and build confidence between the parties in the conflict in an increasingly tense security environment;
Amendment 79 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 a (new)
Paragraph 5 a (new)
5a. Calls on the EEAS to prepare a thorough report of violations of the 2008 ceasefire agreement for which the EU as the mediator of the 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement bears special responsibility, identify and communicate clearly the provisions which have still not been fulfilled by the Russian Federation and submit recommendations which could induce the Russian Federation to fulfil its international obligations, notably to withdraw all its military forces from Georgia’s occupied territories and allow establishment of international security mechanisms therein, to allow the EUMM unhindered access to the whole territory of Georgia pursuant to its mandate;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 b (new)
Paragraph 5 b (new)
5b. Condemns the illegal occupation of the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia by the Russian Federation, expresses concern over the dire security, humanitarian and human rights situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, and strongly denounces the violation of right of IDPs and refugees forcibly expelled from Georgia’s occupied territories as result of ethnic cleansing to return to their homes in safety and dignity;
Amendment 87 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 c (new)
Paragraph 5 c (new)
5c. Condemns the intensified ethnic discrimination and other forms of violations of human rights of Georgians who remain in the occupied territories; expresses concern over the violation of the right to receive education in native language and consistent impunity, as seen in connection with the fatal cases of murder of Mr Basharuli, Mr Otkhozoria, Mr Tatunashvili and Mr Kvaratskhelia; demands that Russia and its occupation regimes in Sokhumi and Tskhinvali immediately release illegally detained Georgian citizens, reopen the closed so- called crossing points without delay, allow freedom of movement, and stop the policy of ethnic cleansing towards the Georgians residing in the occupied territories;
Amendment 89 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 d (new)
Paragraph 5 d (new)
5d. Encourages the Georgian authorities to establish a special mechanism for international consultation and coordination similar to the Crimea Platform successfully implemented by Ukraine, aimed at improving the effectiveness of the international response to the ongoing occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, responding to growing security threats, increasing international pressure on the Kremlin, preventing further rights violations and protecting victims of the occupation regime, as well as achieving the main goal - de-occupation of the regions and their return to Georgia;
Amendment 90 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 e (new)
Paragraph 5 e (new)
5e. Calls for an increased assistance and enhanced partnership in the area of security and defence with Georgia as declared in the EU Strategic Compass, including through the European Peace Facility; welcomes EU’s commitment and determination to support Georgia in countering hybrid threats and building resilience;
Amendment 91 #
5f. Calls on the Council and the EEAS to further engage with Georgia on the CSDP, particularly in view of Georgia’s interest in discussing the possibility of participating in PESCO projects and in developing cooperation with the relevant EU agencies, with a view to enhancing Georgia’s resilience, in particular from threats emanating from dictatorships such as the Russian Federation, China and Iran;
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5 g (new)
Paragraph 5 g (new)
5g. Welcomes the recognition in the Strategic Compass of the maritime security in the Black Sea as of key importance for the EU’ security; calls on the EU to identify robust assistance to Georgia in cyber-security, maritime security and countering hybrid threats among the priorities of the EU-US and EU-NATO cooperation;
Amendment 107 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Underlines the need to eliminate the excessive influence of vested interests, including oligarchsthe oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, in economic, political and public life as one of the priorities identified by the Commission to be addressed before Georgia is granted candidate status; in this regard reiterates its concern with the role played by him in the Georgian politics, especially the ongoing trend of nomination of his close former associates to the highest positions in the country, thanks to which he retains high level of control over the government and its decisions, including those on politically-motivated persecution of journalist supporting the opposition; is deeply worried by Ivanishivili’s personal and business links to the Kremlin which determine the position of the current government of Georgia towards sanctions on Russia; therefore reiterates its call on the Council and transatlantic partners to consider imposing personal sanctions on Mr Ivanishvili as person directly responsible for current backsliding in the areas of democracy, media freedom and ambiguous relations with Russia;
Amendment 134 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 11 a (new)
Paragraph 11 a (new)
11a. Calls on all stakeholders to safeguard the pluralistic and diverse media landscape in Georgia, which are based on solid legal framework that should provide a sound basis for freedom of expression and media rights but is under constant pressure from the ruling party; in this regard reminds about the case of Nika Gvaramia, former director of Rustavi 2 and Mtavari TV, outlets critical to the current government, and reiterates its call to release him; Notes the judgement of the Supreme Court of Georgia regarding the financial transparency of media and welcomes the efforts of the Communications Commission aiming at ensuring the availability to the public of detailed information related to funding sources of broadcasters;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 a (new)
Paragraph 12 a (new)
12a. Remains concerned about the health of imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili; asks EU leaders and countries holding current and upcoming EU presidency, to exert pressure on the Georgian Dream leaders to fully respect Saakashvili’s rights and dignity; reminds that the government of Georgia is fully responsible for his health and well-being; invites the President of Georgia to use her constitutional prerogatives to solve this issue; regrets that the Georgian authorities refuse EU politicians to visit detained prominent public figures;
Amendment 159 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12 b (new)
Paragraph 12 b (new)
12b. Commends the efforts of the civil society in countering Russian disinformation; notes that Russian propaganda uses the totalitarian past and the cult of Stalin as a tool of influence in Georgia; in this regard welcomes such initiatives as the Soviet Past Research Laboratory (SovLab) aiming to make a proper analysis and exploration of the Soviet totalitarian past, analysing its legacy and creating environment to reflect and debate on this complicated subject;
Amendment 169 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13a. Underlines the role of the Public Defender of Georgia in safeguarding the rule of law, democratic and media freedoms; is aware of the crucial role played by this institution in overseeing the compliance of policies and actions of the executive with international human rights standards;
Amendment 178 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 a (new)
Paragraph 14 a (new)
14a. Underlines that Georgia's unique geographical location represents an important link within the EU Global Gateway though the Economic and Investment Plan and the flagship projects identified by the Plan aimed at, among others, building transport and energy links from Central Asia and Azerbaijan through Georgia to the EU; however, expresses concerns with the level of China's investments in Georgia's infrastructure, in particular strategic ports; therefore calls to move forward with infrastructural projects of strategic importance for developing regional transportation and trade; in this regard expresses its hope that Georgia will accelerate construction of the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, in line with Georgia’s strategic Euro-Atlantic objectives; is concerned, however, about the numerous obstacles of administrative and political nature that continue to hinder the project, as well as with signs of Russian interference;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 b (new)
Paragraph 14 b (new)
14b. Further encourages the Georgian authorities to consider that the joint imposition of sanctions against Russia which invaded Georgia and Ukraine and occupies 20 per cent of their territories, constitutes an historic opportunity to ultimately cut ties with the Russian Federation in particular in terms of trade and economic dependency; calls on the EU and Georgia to fully exploit potential of the DCFTA and future pre-accession funds to mitigate adverse effects of such shift/transition; simultaneously expresses its concerns that the growing number of the Russian entities which moved to Georgia after the invasion on Ukraine may lead to a diametrically opposite effect and undermine the efforts set out in AA; calls on the Georgian government to increase the control over Russian money flows and investments in the country and to join EU's anti-money laundering efforts;
Amendment 189 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14 c (new)
Paragraph 14 c (new)
14c. Calls on the Commission to support creation of a common roaming space between Georgia and the EU through coordinated assistance with a focus on gradual reduction of international roaming tariffs between Georgia and the EU in line with the EU regulations thus protecting consumers’ rights, as well as assisting gradual approximation of Georgia to the EU acquis and contributing to Georgia’s European integration process;
Amendment 194 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 a (new)
Paragraph 15 a (new)
15a. Welcomes Georgia’s strong commitment to starting the process of becoming the Third Country Associated to Erasmus+ Programme and encourages Georgia’s participation in the new Horizon Europe Program in order to make use of the opportunities for the Georgian scientific and innovation community;
Amendment 195 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 b (new)
Paragraph 15 b (new)
15b. Calls the European Commission and Georgia to consider increasing the number of Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) projects in Georgia; at the same time is concerned with the growing Chinese investments in the strategic infrastructure, such as ports;
Amendment 198 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 c (new)
Paragraph 15 c (new)
15c. Encourages European Commission, ENTSO-E and Georgia to assess prospects of synchronization of Georgian electricity grid with the European Continental Grid and inclusion of Georgia in Continental Europe Synchronous Area (CESA);
Amendment 201 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15 d (new)
Paragraph 15 d (new)
15d. Is concerned with a growing import of Russian gas and energy products by Georgia, a step which is in stark contradiction with EU's current efforts to diversify energy sources and stop imports from Russia;