During PACE debates on Georgia, Malte Kaufmann of the European Conservatives and Patriots & Affiliates (ECPA) group stressed the need for dialogue and reconciliation rather than exclusion.

While acknowledging the political tensions and concerns over democracy in Georgia, Kaufmann argued that the resolution under debate went too far. He emphasized that the Georgian government was democratically elected and remains legitimate, urging the Council of Europe to re-engage constructively with both the government and the opposition.

Kaufmann called for the release of political prisoners but warned against isolating Georgia. “We should work toward welcoming our Georgian colleagues back. Georgia is a part of Europe and is deeply missed,” he concluded.