Source: European Parliament
The EU has stressed that the legislative measures in Georgia targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people undermine the fundamental rights of Georgians, and that this, and other negative developments, severely affect Georgia’s EU trajectory[1].
The rights of LGBTIQ persons fall within the negotiations on Chapter 23 of the acquis on Judiciary and Fundamental Rights and therefore under the ‘fundamentals’ for EU accession[2], which determine the overall pace of the negotiations.
Following recent developments, including with respect to LGBTIQ persons , and in line with the European Council conclusions of June 2024[3], the Commission took concrete measures halting high-level engagement with Georgia and conducting a review of its financial assistance. Over EUR 120 million from the 2022-2024 envelope were withheld or will be reallocated.
The designation of safe countries of origin does not alter Member States’ obligation under EU law to examine applications for international protection and to grant such protection where the conditions are met.
Being aware of the risks faced by LGBTIQ people in Georgia, the Commission supports the protection of their rights. EU-funded project[4] offer legal aid to vulnerable groups, including LGBTIQ individuals.
Significant support has also been provided to strengthen the civil society capacity to monitor the situation and promote the advancement of human rights.
- [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/georgia-statement-spokesperson-legislative-package-family-values-and-protection-minors_en?s=221
- [2] Under the 2020 revised Enlargement Methodology: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0057
- [3] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/qa3lblga/euco-conclusions-27062024-en.pdf
- [4] https://euneighbourseast.eu/projects/eu-project-page/?id=2183