The British Embassy in Georgia has released a joint statement from the Foreign Ministers of 17 countries and the EU High Representative, expressing deep concern over the recent political developments in Georgia.
The statement, dated 11 July 2025, strongly condemns what it describes as politically motivated detentions of opposition leaders, journalists, activists, and peaceful protesters, warning that such actions threaten to dismantle democracy in Georgia and push the country toward authoritarianism.
“We, the Foreign Ministers of European democracies, are disturbed and deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in Georgia,” the statement reads, denouncing the arrests as deliberate attempts to silence dissent ahead of the upcoming local elections.
According to the signatories, the adoption of repressive laws and the crackdown on civil society contradict European values and risk severely damaging Georgia’s democratic progress and international relationships. As a result, several countries have already begun downgrading their cooperation and assistance to Georgian authorities.
The statement calls on the Georgian government to:
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Immediately release unjustly detained political figures, journalists, and activists
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Repeal repressive legislation
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Engage in an inclusive national dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve the ongoing crisis
The signatories also warned that if the Georgian government continues its current trajectory, they are prepared to take further unilateral and multilateral measures in response to the erosion of democracy and human rights violations.
The joint statement was issued by the Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the EU High Representative.
