(PARIS) - The European Union heavily criticised Russia's recognition of the rebel Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states, the EU's French presidency said Tuesday.

"It strongly condemns this decision," the presidency said in a statement. "This is contrary to the principles of the independence, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Georgia."

The EU will now "examine from this point of view the consequences of Russia's decision."

The European Union's executive Commission in Brussels said it "fully shares and supports the Council Presidency's statement, strongly condemning the decision by the Russian authorities to recognise the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia".

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Tuesday he had signed a decree under which Russia formally recognises South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states.

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