We will have to review not only European Union programs with Georgia but also the German-Georgian bilateral cooperation in many fields, - the Coordinator of the German Federal Government for the Intersocietal Cooperation with the Southern Caucasus, the Republic of Moldova and the Central Asian countries, Robin Wagener, said in an exclusive interview with InterPressNews.
According to him, the European Union is still interested in Georgia joining the European Union, however, the process has been paused due to the actions of the Georgian authorities.
Robin Wegener also noted that Germany will definitely review all programs related to Georgia and decide whether to continue them or not.
“What has to be done at the moment? First of all, it's a very clear position, no further accession. This has not come by chance, but by a decision of Georgian government to do that. European Union still is interested in further accession and so do Georgian people. We see that and it's very impressive seeing so many people demonstrating against the law and wanting to go further on this path. But also it's very clear that we will have to review not only European Union programs with Georgia but also the German-Georgian bilateral cooperation in many fields.
One has been mentioned, this is the military field, but there are also many others, development agencies, economic cooperation. We will have to review this process. I think it's important to be very clear that our reactions do not target the general population of Georgia who want to be part of Europe Union. We want to have a liberal democracy and continue this path that we review all programs and clearly find out which ones can be proceeded and which ones can't. And this is what is happening at the moment. But this will have very clear consequences. No further programs, but also for programs which have been decided upon in the past”, he said.
In addition, the coordinator of the German federal government explained in what specific directions the programs can be stopped. According to him, this applies especially to government programs.
“It's a review of programs, especially those who are directed, directly supporting or directly financing government structures. It may also include the programs where people might get benefits may be affected by the review of the process. There will be consequences that can be seen and felt by general population as well”, he said.
