*The author is a Member of the Italian Parliament

In recent days, the political situation in Georgia has brought the tensions in the country to the fore. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze spread the idea that – during the recent EU Foreign Affairs Council – the governments of Italy, Spain, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia would express support for his positions. A claim as surprising as it was unfounded, which the subsequent official denials of Italy, Spain and Romania quickly debunked.

This episode cannot be ignored. It is an attempt to manipulate the facts in order to obscure a much more serious reality: in Georgia, in recent weeks, citizens peacefully protesting to defend their European dream have fallen victim to brutal repression. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, seems determined to sabotage the path of European integration, ignoring the aspirations of the people.

As an MEP and secretary of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the House, I feel it is my duty to express my concern about these developments. Georgia is a country that has always looked to Europe with hope, but today sees those hopes shattered against a wall of authoritarianism and violence.

The role of Italy and Europe

Fortunately, the Italian institutions have clarified their position, confirming full support for the proposals made byHigh Commissioner Kaja Kallas, including sanctions against those who obstruct the democratic process in Georgia. However, I wonder: is this enough?

Until the official denials, the Italian government’s silence fuelled ambiguities that allowed the Georgian premier to make unfounded claims. Why have we not been clearer from the start? Why did we not clearly express our firm condemnation of the violent repression of the peaceful demonstrators who have been taking to the streets every night for almost 20 days to protest against unconstitutional choices such as that of interrupting the process of European integration, which is instead sanctioned by Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution?

TheEuropean Union must also show with deeds that it stands by the Georgian citizens. We cannot let their courage be ignored. We need concrete actions: targeted sanctions and active support for democratic organisations and civil society in Georgia.

Democracy, human rights and the rule of law are non-negotiable principles. We cannot allow the repression in Georgia to go unnoticed.