EU High Representative proposes shifting over €100 million in aid from Georgian Gov’t to civil society organisations

Josep Borrell, the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, on Monday proposed the bloc shift over €100 million of aid from the Georgian Government to the country’s civil society organisations to “support them in their fight for a fair election” following the parliamentary vote last month.

In his remarks, Borrell called for a “thorough investigation” into alleged election irregularities.

“There are specific decisions to be taken. I propose to stop supporting an important part of the programs that go to the [Georgian] Government. Over €100 million will be frozen and instead of being allocated to the Government will be allocated to the civil society organisations”, the EU official said.

The people of Georgia will be continuously supported by the European Union. The process of accession is being put on hold, it is stopped until the Georgian Government gets back on track. To go back to the track, a lot of things have to change. And in the meantime, we will use the money that was allocated to the Government for the people who are fighting for their freedom”, he continued.

Borrell further called for investigations and a “full assessment” of “what happened in the elections”.