French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement on Georgia’s Independence Day, expressing support for the country’s democratic and European aspirations.

“On the occasion of the Independence Day of Georgia, we would like to send a message of friendship and solidarity to the Georgian people and reiterate our unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. We support the democratic and European aspirations of the Georgian people. These aspirations reflect a willingness to be part of the European family.

We, therefore, condemn all activities of the Georgian authorities resulting in the democratic backsliding and the attacks against civil society, media and government critics. Freedom of expression and of assembly must be upheld. Reports of excessive violence must be investigated. Laws that contradict European standards must be amended and the much-needed reform process must be picked up again.

The Georgian authorities need to re-establish a dialogue with the opposition and civil society. The people of Georgia should not be deprived of the opportunities associated with the country’s European path,” the statement reads.