Thirteen European Union countries, among them Germany and France, have expressed disapproval of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent visit to Georgia, describing it as “premature.” The group of countries released a joint statement questioning the timing of Orbán’s visit to Georgia, amid concerns about the country’s recent political developments and upcoming elections.
Orbán’s visit to Georgia has raised eyebrows among EU member states, as they believe that it could potentially undermine efforts to address political tensions within the country. The group of countries, which also includes Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands, have called on Orbán to reconsider his visit and instead focus on supporting democratic processes in Georgia.
The statement from the 13 EU countries comes at a time when Georgia is facing significant political challenges, including a tense political climate and upcoming municipal elections. Orbán’s visit to the country has been seen as potentially damaging to efforts to promote stability and democracy in Georgia.
The criticism of Orbán’s visit reflects broader concerns within the EU about Hungary’s approach to democracy and human rights. Orbán’s government has faced criticism for its crackdown on media freedom, attacks on civil society, and efforts to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
The joint statement from the 13 EU countries highlights the growing divide within the bloc over Hungary’s approach to democracy. As tensions increase, Orbán’s visit to Georgia has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about the future of democracy and human rights within the EU.
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