Attempts by the ruling party Georgian Dream to ban opposition parties in Georgia

The European Parliament adopted by 445 votes to 37, with 97 abstentions, a resolution on attempts by the ruling party Georgian Dream to ban opposition parties in Georgia.

The text adopted in plenary was adopted by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Greens/EFA groups and Members.

The situation in Georgia is progressively deteriorating, with further backsliding in democracy, media freedom, human rights and the rule of law due to the Georgian Dream authorities’ actions, which are increasingly incompatible with Georgia’s international obligations and commitments, including the Copenhagen criteria.

In November 2025, the Georgian Dream-controlled parliament lodged a constitutional claim seeking to ban opposition parties. These acts are part of a broader pattern of strategy of the Georgian Dream aimed at turning Georgia into a one-party regime by eliminating political pluralism, following the model of Russia and Belarus that serves the Kremlin’s objective of keeping Georgia outside the European and Euro-Atlantic space.

Parliament strongly condemned the attempt to outlaw Georgia’s opposition parties and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the constitutional claim against them.

The resolution called for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Elene Khoshtaria, 2025 Sakharov Prize laureate Mzia Amaglobeli, Mikheil Saakashvili, Giorgi Baramidze and Nika Melia, and of all those detained for peaceful protest. It called for dropping politically motivated ‘sabotage’ charges.

Members regretted the persistent lack of action by the EU and most Member States to ensure tangible consequences for the continuously deteriorating situation in Georgia. They reiterated their call for targeted sanctions against and visa bans for those responsible for democratic backsliding, violent repression and political persecution, first and foremost Bidzina Ivanishvili, Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili and Kakha Kaladze.

Lastly, while reiterating its unwavering support for the Georgian people’s European aspirations, Parliament recalled its repeated warnings that any attempt to ban established political parties alienates Georgia from the EU and precludes any move towards EU accession.