The European Union will no longer finance Erasmus+ projects in Georgia that involve state bodies or state-affiliated institutions, according to the programme’s newly published 2026 roadmap. The document states that the decision is directly linked to Georgia’s current political environment.
“In line with the Council conclusions of 19 December 2024 and in response to political developments in Georgia, the EU has reviewed financial assistance that directly benefits the Georgian authorities,” the roadmap says.
It cites Article 20 of Regulation (EU) 2021/817 — the legal basis establishing Erasmus+, the Union’s programme for education, training, youth and sport — noting that direct financial support to the Georgian authorities is no longer considered in the Union’s interest. Under this definition, “Georgian authorities” include central government, local authorities, state agencies and state-owned enterprises.
“As a result, no representative of the Georgian authorities will be eligible to participate in any activity foreseen under this programme,” the document states.
The move marks a significant shift in EU–Georgia cooperation in education and youth programmes and follows continued concerns in Brussels over democratic backsliding and political tensions in the country.
