European Commission enlargement report calls on Georgia to repeal controversial laws for "re-engagement" with EU

The European Commission's enlargement report released on Wednesday urged Georgian Dream authorities to repeal controversial laws on transparency of foreign influence and family values, and protection of minors to advance on its European integration path after securing EU candidacy last year.

The report noted that while institutions overseeing EU integration were "mostly in place”, some reforms and actions over the past year "were not aligned with this objective”, and the Georgian government showed "limited political commitment" towards EU-related progress.

Georgia's authorities should clarify their intentions by reversing this course of action. Stronger cross-party political support in all state institutions is required to pursue EU-related reforms more effectively. Inter-ministerial coordination and civic participation in implementing the EU agenda should be strengthened”, the report said.

The document further emphasised the need for Georgian authorities to "replace anti-EU narratives with proactive and objective communication about the EU and its support for the country”.

Highlighting overall "limited progress" in good governance, the report pointed to "political polarisation that restricts both inter-institutional relations and legislative processes”, while civil society organisations "operate in an increasingly difficult environment" in Georgia.

The report also urged the Georgian government to maintain a "systemic approach on de-oligarchization" and investigate alleged attacks on opposition figures and anti-government activists.

Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Vice-President of the European Commission, stressed the report outlined a "clear path for Georgia's re-engagement" with the EU, conditional on "commitment from Georgia's leadership”. He added that initial steps would include “repealing the controversial laws” enacted earlier this year.