EU Ambassador on bloc enlargement report: future of EU-Georgia relations “now in hands of Georgian Gov’t”

Pawel Herczyński, the European Union Ambassador to Georgia, on Wednesday stressed the “future of EU-Georgia relations now is in the hands of Georgian leaders”, as he evaluated the European Commission’s second enlargement report. 

The document, released on Wednesday, called for repeal of contentious Georgian laws on transparency of foreign influence and on “family values and protection of minors”, while also criticising the Georgian Dream Government's stance toward the EU.

The diplomat highlighted the report had outlined a “clear path to re-engagement” and a roadmap towards potential EU membership for Georgia, but stressed it would “require genuine political will and a recommitment to the EU's foundational values”. 

Herczyński described the enlargement as a “merit-based process” and stressed the country's progress depended “solely on its commitment to democratic reforms”.

Georgia’s next government must reverse course and recommit to democratic values if it wants to bring the country closer to the EU”, he said. 

Reflecting on parliamentary elections last week, the diplomat highlighted the “re-engagement with the EU must start with full transparency in the electoral process”, amid allegations and concerns voiced by domestic and international actors over alleged electoral manipulations. 

The EU’s door remains open for Georgia. I sincerely hope the Georgian authorities honour this path”, the Ambassador said. 

He further claimed the EU had paused Georgia’s accession process due to the Georgian Government’s “current trajectory”, which he said diverged from “EU values and principles”. 

Herczyński noted the Georgian Government “had not demonstrated sufficient political commitment” to meet the nine requirements set by the bloc for opening accession talks with Tbilisi, following its decision last year to grant Georgia a candidate country status. 

While acknowledging progress in technical areas like energy, climate, and public procurement, Herczyński stressed Georgia’s future with the EU “hinges on adherence to democratic principles and rule of law”.