The European Parliament has adopted a report on Georgia by 436 votes to 145, voicing strong support for the Georgian people while expressing concern over what it describes as the country’s democratic backsliding and departure from the European integration path.
In the report, MEPs express “full solidarity” with the Georgian people, who they say continue to fight for a European and democratic future despite growing repression, unlawful arrests, hostile rhetoric, disinformation campaigns and threats.
The document notes that nearly 75% of Georgians continue to support closer integration with the European Union and reiterates that the EU’s door remains open should Georgia return to the path of democratic reforms.
The report states that the ruling Georgian Dream has “not only suspended but effectively reversed” Georgia’s European integration course. MEPs also express regret over what they describe as backsliding in the implementation of the nine priorities set by the EU as conditions for granting Georgia candidate status.
Based on the document, senior government officials and government-affiliated media have promoted anti-EU narratives, disinformation and conspiracy theories targeting the European Union, its officials and diplomats.
The European Parliament further criticizes developments following the October 2024 parliamentary elections, which the report describes as “rigged,” claiming that Georgian Dream has accelerated a shift toward authoritarian rule.
MEPs express concern over what they call the dismantling of democratic institutions, restrictions on fundamental freedoms and weakening political pluralism. The report also echoes previous concerns regarding the independence of key state institutions, including the Central Election Commission, the Communications Commission, the High Council of Justice, the Constitutional Court, the Prosecutor’s Office, the National Bank, and law enforcement and security agencies.
Based on the report, Georgia will be unable to advance in the EU accession process unless it returns to democratic reforms, guarantees free and competitive elections, strengthens institutional independence, addresses oligarchic influence and improves human rights and media freedom protections.
The document also highlights the importance of targeted sanctions against individuals deemed responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents and activists.
The European Parliament welcomed the decision by several EU member states to introduce visa restrictions and other sanctions against Georgian officials and urged additional countries to adopt similar measures.
In addition, MEPs reiterated their call for the European Union and its member states to impose immediate targeted sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, his family members and associated companies. The report also calls for the freezing of Ivanishvili’s assets and for coordination with international partners, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States.
Although European Parliament reports and resolutions are not legally binding, they reflect the official political position of the EU legislature and can influence future discussions and policy decisions regarding relations between the European Union and Georgia.
