**EU Sanctions on Georgia: A Crucial Step Towards Free Elections**
The European Union’s efforts to impose sanctions on the Georgian government have hit a roadblock due to Hungary’s opposition. This was revealed by MEP Rasa Juknevičienė at a recent press conference in the European Parliament.
According to Juknevičienė, EU member states are unable to impose sanctions because they need support from more than 25 member countries. She emphasized that sanctions are essential to ensure free and fair elections in Georgia. “Sanctions are the most powerful tool to help people have a European future,” she said.
The Georgian government has faced criticism for suppressing opposition voices and restricting democracy in the country. Juknevičienė stressed that the EU’s stance on this matter is clear: sanctions are necessary to hold the regime accountable for its actions. “Without this, there will be no new elections,” she warned.
**Hungary’s Role**
Juknevičienė’s comments highlighted Hungary’s role in blocking EU sanctions on Georgia. Hungarian politicians have been accused of having close ties with the Georgian government, which has hindered the EU’s efforts to impose penalties.
This situation has sparked concerns among civil society groups and opposition parties in Georgia. They argue that Hungary’s influence is undermining the EU’s commitment to democratic values and human rights.
**International Support**
Despite Hungary’s resistance, Juknevičienė expressed hope for greater international support on this issue. She welcomed the United Kingdom’s recent statements on sanctions and praised the US House of Representatives’ passage of the MEGOBARI Act, which deals with sanctions against the Georgian government.
The act is now being considered by the US Senate, where its passage would be a significant boost to efforts to impose sanctions on Georgia. Juknevičienė emphasized that stronger international support is crucial to achieving this goal.
**A Crucial Step Towards Democracy**
In conclusion, Juknevičienė’s comments underscored the importance of EU sanctions in promoting democracy and human rights in Georgia. The Georgian government’s actions have been widely criticized, and the imposition of sanctions would be a significant step towards ensuring free and fair elections in the country.
As Juknevičienė noted, “Sanctions are important against people who commit crimes. They are afraid of sanctions, their families are afraid, because many of them live in Europe.” This sentiment reflects the growing international awareness of the need to protect human rights and promote democratic values worldwide.
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