The people of Georgia – across all party lines and generations – want their country to become a member of the EU. I am travelling to Georgia to make it clear that Germany is fully committed to Georgia’s prospect of EU membership. I will be talking to various representatives of the country about how this prospect can become reality. That said, it is clear that the road to the EU will not be an easy one. We have already seen that implementing the necessary reforms is not straightforward and sometimes meets with resistance. I acknowledge the steps the Government has taken to implement the 12 priorities. However, much remains to be done. I will be discussing this with representatives of the Government, the Parliament and civil society.

Above all, it is important to me to enter into a frank dialogue with civil society about how the German Government can provide it with effective support. Democratic civil society plays an absolutely key role in this crucial reform process. Because it is the backbone of and can be the guarantor of values‑led action. It is democratic civil society that works day in, day out with concrete action for human rights, a diverse media landscape and an independent judiciary.

The overwhelming mass protests in early March that saw off plans for a “foreign agents” law also showed that young Georgians often feel that they are not represented by those in positions of political power. I have great respect for their readiness to take to the streets to stand up for their values. I would like to hear their concerns and find out what steps they believe necessary to ensure Georgia’s European future.

I will talk to the Government and to representatives of Parliament and the opposition about how these steps can be implemented. We in the EU are united by our values: there can be no compromise when it comes to freedom of the media, the preservation of a diverse civil society and public debate based on respect.