2025 Commission report on Georgia
The European Parliament adopted by 436 votes to 145, with 47 abstentions, a resolution on the 2025 Commission report on Georgia.
Suspension of Georgia's EU integration
Parliament noted with deep disappointment that the Georgian Dream has not only suspended but reversed the course of Georgia's European integration. It deplored the setback observed in the implementation of the nine priorities that were a prerequisite for granting Georgia candidate country status.
Since the rigged parliamentary elections of October 2024, Georgian Dream has further consolidated its trajectory towards total authoritarianism. Members emphasised that Georgia cannot make any progress in the European accession process as long as it does not return to the path of democratic reforms and, inter alia, guarantee free, fair and competitive elections, protect the independence of official institutions, effectively address oligarchic control and improve the protection of human rights and media freedom.
Members condemned the systemic impunity of officials and institutions responsible for political repression, the harassment of journalists and human rights defenders, and the persecution of opposition figures. They urged the Council and Member States to urgently adopt coordinated EU-wide restrictive measures against all political leaders, officials, and enablers, including expanding sanctions lists, imposing comprehensive asset freezes, and implementing visa bans targeting those responsible for state capture, repression, and regime-sponsored propaganda.
Parliament believes that relations with the Georgian authorities should be strictly conditional upon the adoption of concrete and verifiable measures to reverse the current erosion of democracy, repression, restrictions, and virulent anti-EU disinformation inspired by Russian methods. It therefore maintains its previous position regarding the non-recognition of the legitimacy of the parliament and the president it appointed.
Members condemned:
- the persistent aggressive rhetoric towards diplomats, political leaders and officials of the EU and Member States;
- the adoption of unprecedented and increasingly restrictive legislation aimed at making it virtually impossible to provide international support to civil society and the media and to cut them off from any independent funding;
- attempts by Georgian authorities to ban opposition parties.
The resolution emphasised the importance of continuing to promote European standards, democratic values, and the European path among the Georgian population and political forces committed to democratic principles. It called for a comprehensive reform of the High Council of Justice, including fixed, non-renewable terms, transparent appointment procedures, and extraordinary integrity checks for senior judicial officials, in order to strengthen judicial independence and public confidence in the judicial system.
Repression of civil liberties and fundamental rights
Parliament is concerned that Georgian Dream has already adopted a number of legislative acts aimed to stifle civil society and independent media and curb pluralism, such as the law on the registration of foreign agents, restrictive amendments to the broadcasting law, the civil service law, the law on meetings and demonstrations, as well as stricter provisions in the penal code and the code of administrative offences. The Georgian authorities are urged to repeal these pieces of legislation, which would be a concrete step towards putting the country back on track for EU accession.
Members condemned credible reports of excessive use of force, torture and ill-treatment of protesters and detainees, as well as legislation that provides for automatic detention and further criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to one year, for people who protest peacefully.
Parliament expressed its deep concern about the systematic human rights violations in Georgia and the discrimination against vulnerable groups, including LGBTIQ+ people. It urged the Georgian de facto parliament to repeal the Law on Family Values and the Protection of Minors.
The resolution also strongly condemned the role played by Georgian Dream-aligned media in the dissemination of systematic disinformation, smear campaigns and hostile propaganda against the Union and its institutions.
Alignment on foreign and security policy matters
Parliament deplored the further decline in Georgia's alignment with the statements of the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and with Council decisions on sanctions, demonstrating its lack of commitment to European integration. It is particularly disappointed that Georgia has not consistently aligned itself with international and EU initiatives in support of Ukraine, but has instead strengthened its ties with Russia and supported Russian narratives aimed at shifting responsibility for the war of aggression and crimes committed by Russia.
Parliament urged the Union and its Member States to take urgent and decisive action to end Russia’s systematic circumvention of EU sanctions, facilitated by the Georgian authorities. It is concerned about the potential use of Georgian ports, refining infrastructure, and oil handling facilities to facilitate the re-export or blending of Russian petroleum products in order to circumvent international sanctions regimes. Furthermore, the strategic shift by Georgian Dream towards cooperation with China, Russia, and Iran demonstrates a disregard for Georgia’s constitutional commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration.
Lastly, Parliament reaffirmed its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia.