German Chancellor: Georgia, Moldova safe countries of origin

In an interview with the German news website Der Spiegel, Scholz noted the European Union was strengthening the protection of Europe’s external borders so that “fewer people are able to make their way to Europe”. Photo: German Government

Agenda.ge, 23 Oct 2023 - 13:49, Tbilisi,Georgia

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday said Georgia and Moldova were classified as safe countries of origin, adding it was “not plausible” to assume “systemic oppression” in the two states.

In an interview with the German news website Der Spiegel, Scholz noted the European Union was strengthening the protection of Europe’s external borders so that “fewer people are able to make their way to Europe”.

We are classifying Georgia and Moldova as safe countries of origin. Both want to become members of the European Union, as such it isn’t plausible to assume systemic oppression in those countries”, the German official said.

Scholz also added his Government had introduced “stricter” controls on the country’s borders with neighbouring countries, and further pointed out that “we want to reduce the incentives for remaining here irregularly”.