Session Profile: Eerik-Niiles Kross

The political stance is strongly value-based, centered on defending democracy and human rights in Georgia. The speaker forcefully opposes the ruling Georgian regime ("Georgian Dream"), accusing it of pursuing an autocratic trajectory and aligning itself with Russia. The objective is to support the Georgian people's demands for free elections and the continuation of the European course, stressing that maintaining a façade of cooperation with states deviating from the path of the free Western world only facilitates autocracy. The political assessment is sharp, calling for the non-recognition of the legitimacy of Georgia's de facto government.

The speaker demonstrates profound expertise in foreign policy, particularly concerning Georgia and, more broadly, Russian influence operations. He/She draws on detailed knowledge of Georgia's political history (since 2008), the constitutional crisis, and the assessments of elections provided by international institutions (OSCE, the European Parliament, the Venice Commission). Specific emphasis is placed on the repressive methods employed by Georgian Dream, including torture and the use of "Titushky."

The tone is serious, straightforward, and at times sharp, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation. The speaker employs both logical arguments (citing facts and international reports) and emotional descriptions (such as the torture of political prisoners or recollections of the Stalin era). When responding to questions, the speaker remains resolute, dismissing demagogic maneuvers and irrelevant culture war topics.

The speaker is actively engaged in initiating and submitting foreign policy statements, referencing a previous similar discussion that took place in the summer of 2024. He/She emphasizes the repeated discussion of issues concerning Georgia within the Foreign Affairs Committee and with ambassadors. This pattern of activity demonstrates a persistent focus on monitoring and responding to the democratic situation of allies.

The main confrontation is directed against Georgia's ruling regime ("Georgian Dream"), which is accused of pursuing an autocratic course, violating human rights, and siding with Russia. The criticism is intense, noting that substantive contacts with this party have been severed. The criticism from the domestic opposition (Anti) is aimed at the use of demagogic tactics and the introduction of off-topic culture wars, which are considered disruptive to meaningful debate.

The speaker is acting in cooperation with the other submitters of the statement and emphasizes solidarity with the Georgian opposition and the legitimate president. He highlights the consensus among Europe’s major political families (EPP, Socialists, ALDE) and international institutions regarding the non-recognition of the legitimacy of the Georgian regime. The goal of this cooperation is to achieve an unambiguous consensus across Europe for holding new elections in Georgia.

The focus is strongly international, centering on Georgia's political crisis and its geopolitical significance within the Caucasus region. Emphasis is placed on Georgia's role in the conflict between the free world and the autocratic world, alongside an analysis of Russia's changed tactics for gaining control in the South Caucasus. The relations between Iran and the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) and Georgia are also mentioned.

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The focus on social issues is the protection of human rights and civil liberties in Georgia, particularly concerning the systemic repression of political prisoners, journalists, and protestors. The speaker details specific cases of arrests and torture. He/She rejects attempts to introduce domestic culture wars (trans rights) into the discussion, deeming them irrelevant and off-topic.

The primary legislative focus is on initiating and supporting foreign policy statements aimed at providing a political assessment of the situation in Georgia and setting guidelines for Estonian foreign policy. The objective is to support demands for holding new free elections in Georgia and to strongly recommend restricting relations with the Georgian regime.