In a resolution adopted by the European Parliament on Wednesday, MEPs stated that Georgia’s current democratic regression has effectively halted its progress toward integration with the EU.
Despite Georgia being granted EU candidate status in December 2023, the resolution from the Parliament emphasises that the ruling Georgian Dream party, likely to win the upcoming parliamentary elections on 26 October, has been pursuing an increasingly authoritarian agenda. This includes restricting media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights.
Additionally, changes to Georgia’s electoral laws and increased anti-EU rhetoric have led MEPs to conclude that these actions violate freedom of expression, censor the media, restrict critical voices in civil society and the NGO sector, and discriminate against vulnerable groups. MEPs also clarified that unless these laws are revoked, Georgia’s progress in its relations with the EU will be hindered.
Government officials fuel a climate of hatred and intimidation
MEPs are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the police brutality that occurred during the peaceful protests in the spring of 2024. The protests responded to Georgian Dream’s law, similar to Moscow’s, declaring Western-funded media outlets and non-governmental organisations as “foreign agents”.
There is also concern about the hostile environment and intimidation fueled by statements from Georgian government representatives and political leaders, as well as the government’s attacks on political diversity. The resolution condemns comments made by oligarch and Georgian Dream ‘honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili and government officials, who have threatened to ban opposition parties and referred to the opposition as a “criminal political force.”
Georgia’s integration into the EU effectively put on hold
In light of Georgia’s democracy continuing to decline, Parliament is calling for the suspension of all EU funding to the Georgian government until undemocratic laws are repealed. MEPs insist that any future funding to the Georgian government should only be provided under strict conditions. They emphasise that the European Council granted Georgia candidate country status in December 2023 with the expectation that it would take steps outlined in the European Commission recommendation of November 8, 2023.
However, according to MEPs, the current authoritarian direction of the Georgian government contradicts this goal and has effectively halted Georgia’s integration with the EU. MEPs believe that the upcoming parliamentary elections will be crucial in determining Georgia’s future democratic development and geopolitical orientation, as well as its progress toward EU membership. They urge the Georgian authorities to ensure that the elections adhere to the highest international standards and respect the will and free choice of the Georgian people.
Sanctions on those who threaten Georgia’s democracy
The resolution calls for the EU and its member states to hold to account and impose personal sanctions on all those responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia, including Bidzina Ivanishvili. The text was adopted by 495 votes in favour, 73 against and 86 abstentions.
