MEP Tomasz Froelich criticises Helsinki Commission’s approach to Georgia

Tomasz Froelich, a member of the European Parliament, on Sunday commented on the scandal surrounding the Helsinki Commission and the Commission’s approach toward Georgia.

“The Helsinki Commission represents everything corrupt when it comes to foreign policy architecture. They are not accountable. Foreign money has infiltrated the Commission. It hides behind rhetoric about democracy while undermining peace. Georgian Dream identified this perfectly - this is a confrontation between a pragmatic Government and a war party”, he said.

In his interview with Imedi TV regarding the Helsinki Commission’s stance toward Georgia, Froelich noted that the campaign conducted by the Commission did not serve democracy.

“The campaign waged by the Helsinki Commission against Georgia serves to protect its own network on the ground, not democracy. By registering foreign-funded NGOs, Georgia weakened the Commission’s influence over internal processes. Despite this, the Helsinki Commission maintains ties with its agents, who constantly plan coups and political violence in Georgia”, the MEP continued.

He further added that the Helsinki Commission functioned as an instrument of interference in the internal affairs of other states.

Froelich referred to violations identified through an internal investigation within the Commission.

“The Commission’s own internal investigation established systemic failures in the registration of foreign agents, covert foreign funding, and highly suspicious relations between Commission staff and foreign states. This Commission does not serve American interests; it serves certain elites in Washington and, most importantly, in Brussels. Acting against Georgia, this institution represents a force that thrives on permanent conflict”, he concluded.

A briefing on Georgia was held at the Helsinki Commission last week. During the briefing, Laura Thornton stated that she did not want to discuss methods and tactics publicly but noted that there are ways to continue supporting civil society and independent media in Georgia.

The scandal involving the Helsinki Commission gained attention last week after Professor Stephen Schrage published documents allegedly exposing Commission members and called for an investigation.