EU Council vows support for “Georgian people’s EU aspirations”, says Gov’t actions “jeopardising” integration

The Council of the European Union on Tuesday reaffirmed its “readiness to support the Georgian people’s European aspirations”, while warning actions taken by the Georgian Dream Government were “jeopardis[ing] the country’s European path”. 

The Council, in its enlargement report, expressed regret over the Government’s recent decision to suspend the country’s EU accession talks until 2028.

It also highlighted the adoption of the law on transparency of foreign influence this year - which requires registration of non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “pursuing the interests of a foreign power” if they derive more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad - and “other legislation” that it said “run counter to the EU’s foundational values and principles”. 

The Council “strongly condemned violence” against “peaceful protesters”, media representatives, and politicians amid ongoing protests against the delayed EU integration, calling on Georgian authorities to “respect fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and expression” and “refrain from using force”. 

It further highlighted “all acts of violence must be investigated” and “those responsible held accountable”, and urged the Georgian Government to “urgently return to the EU path” and adopt “comprehensive, democratic, and sustainable reforms”. 

The Council further called on Georgian authorities to “guarantee the full respect of fundamental rights”, including the rights of sexual minorities, in reference to the law on family values and protection of minors. 

The Council also noted the preliminary findings by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights over Georgia’s October 26 parliamentary elections, which it said had highlighted shortcomings and a “tense, highly polarised electoral environment”, and called for investigations into alleged electoral irregularities. 

The report encouraged Georgia to address recommendations from the OSCE/ODIHR and Council of Europe bodies, and highlighted a comprehensive electoral reform remained “critical” to fulfilling the European Commission’s accession steps.

The Council also urged the Georgian authorities to take “concrete actions” to overcome increasing political polarisation and refrain from actions that exacerbate tensions, including anti-EU rhetoric and disinformation.

On economic criteria, the Council noted Georgia’s moderate level of preparation and limited progress in developing a functioning market economy. While commending the implementation of sound fiscal and monetary policies, it encouraged the Government to strengthen the independence of the central bank and implement necessary structural reforms.

The Council also called on the authorities to “urgently address” outstanding visa liberalisation benchmarks, including aligning with EU visa policy, reducing unfounded asylum applications, and ensuring compliance with fundamental rights requirements.

While acknowledging the Government’s “continued implementation” of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, the Council reaffirmed the EU’s “unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders”. 

It reiterated the EU’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its policy of non-recognition of occupied regions and engagement, supported through the presence of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia.