GEORGIA: EU Warning & more – 27th Jun 2024

Gamarjobat from Gracia! This is the Rorshok Georgia Update from the 27th of June twenty twenty-four. A quick summary of what's going down in Georgia.

On Monday the 24th, Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, warned that Georgia might lose its chance to join the EU if it doesn't change its ways. He said Georgia needs to respect democratic values and human rights to become an EU member. This warning came from the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting. The Council, like Borrell, is worried about new laws that undermine judicial independence and restrict media freedom. These include the controversial amendments to the judiciary that give the ruling party more control over the appointment of judges, and the Russian law, which aims to limit the influence of foreign organizations and the media. Critics say this law would suppress free speech and independent media, pulling Georgia away from Western democratic standards.

The Council urged the Georgian government to follow the European path, which includes ensuring an independent judiciary, upholding human rights, and maintaining democratic principles. People in Georgia are concerned, fearing that they might derail the country's EU membership. Activists and opposition leaders are calling for the government to drop the Russian law and focus on reforms that align with EU values.

On the same day, former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia spoke out about Borrell's comments. He blamed The Georgian Dream or Otsneba’s policies for the problems Georgia is having with the EU. Gakharia, who now leads the For Georgia or Sakartvelostvis party, said the government’s actions are hurting Georgia’s chances to join the EU. He specifically criticized the Russian law, and the judicial reforms.

Gakharia called for a return to pro-European reforms, such as strengthening the rule of law, and protecting media freedoms. He also mentioned the need for transparent governance, fighting corruption. Supporters of Gakharia agree with the need for these reforms, while supporters of Otsneba defend the current policies.

In other news, on Thursday the 20th, the Venice Commission advised against passing the proposed law against LGBT propaganda in Georgia. The Commission said this law could damage Georgia's image and its EU membership hopes. They argued that it goes against basic human rights and could lead to discrimination against the LGBT community. Now, the Georgian government has to decide whether to follow the Commission’s advice or go ahead with the law. People in Georgia are divided; some support the law in the name of traditional values, while others fear it will increase discrimination and push the country further away from the EU.

On Tuesday the 25th, Georgian peace activist Beso Shengelia was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Shengelia is known for his work in promoting peace and resolving conflicts in Georgia and nearby areas. His projects include dialogue programs, community-building activities, and advocating for peaceful solutions. Many people in Georgia are proud and excited about his nomination, seeing it as a recognition of his tireless efforts and a positive spotlight on the country.

On the next day, on Wednesday the 26th, Didier Trebucq started his new job as the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Georgia. He replaced Sabine Machl, who held the position for four years. Trebucq wants to keep pushing for sustainable development and human rights in Georgia. He has over twenty years of experience working with the UN, having served in various roles, including coordinating humanitarian efforts in Latin America and managing development programs in Africa and the Caribbean.

There’s hope that Trebucq will make a positive impact. The goals he’s focusing on include reducing poverty, improving education and healthcare, promoting gender equality, and fostering economic growth by twenty thirty. These targets are part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to create a more prosperous and equitable world.

Moving on, on Monday the 24th, the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, announced a major economic plan to boost growth, supported by Otsneba. The $1 billion dollar plan focuses on supporting small businesses, creating jobs, attracting foreign investment, and improving infrastructure and education. Developed in response to economic challenges and stagnation, the plan targets sectors like technology, agriculture, and tourism. Officials believe it will boost the economy and improve living standards. Reactions are mixed; some are hopeful and see it as necessary, while others doubt the government's ability to implement it effectively.

Next up, on Tuesday the 25th, the Georgian National Tourism Administration launched a new digital platform. This platform will help local tourism businesses connect with international markets more effectively, addressing issues like limited online presence and difficulties in reaching global tourists. Before, many businesses struggled to promote their services beyond local or regional markets. The platform aims to streamline marketing efforts, making it easier for hotels, tour operators, and other businesses to attract tourists worldwide. The government introduced this platform to boost tourism, which is vital for the local economy, especially after the downturn caused by global events like the pandemic. People are generally happy with the new system, seeing it as a crucial step in revitalizing and expanding Georgia's tourism industry.

In environmental news, on Friday the 21st, the government launched a new initiative to protect Georgia’s forests. This program includes stricter regulations on logging and more efforts to replant trees. Officials hope this will preserve the country’s natural beauty and biodiversity. The initiative also aims at raising awareness about the importance of forests and encouraging people to get involved in conservation efforts. People are reacting positively, seeing it as a much-needed step to protect Georgia’s forests and natural heritage.

On Wednesday the 26th, women entrepreneurs from across Georgia gathered for an empowering forum in Tbilisi. The event aimed to support and inspire female business owners with networking opportunities and workshops on marketing, finance, and leadership. Participants shared their stories and discussed the challenges they face in business, such as accessing funding and balancing work and family responsibilities.

On the health front, on Thursday the 20th, the Ministry of Health reported progress in the fight against tuberculosis (or TB). New data shows a significant decrease in TB cases over the past year due to better treatment options and increased public awareness.

On Monday the 24th, Georgian Water and Power announced they fixed the damaged sections near Tsitsamuri, a village in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. The damage, caused by severe weather, led to pipe bursts and infrastructure breakdowns, resulting in frequent water outages and low pressure. The repairs, involving pipe replacements and system upgrades, took a few weeks but it should make the water supply more reliable. Locals, who faced significant issues with cooking, cleaning, and sanitation, are relieved and happy the work is done.

And to close this edition, on Saturday the 23rd, the Ministry of Culture announced a new project to restore historic sites in Georgia. This project will focus on preserving ancient buildings, churches, and monuments, aiming to protect Georgia’s cultural heritage and attract more tourists. Locals are excited about the initiative, seeing it as a way to honor and maintain their rich history. This project also aims to boost tourism, which has seen a decline recently due to various economic and political factors.

Aaand that’s it for this week! Thank you for joining us!

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Nakhvamdis!