EU Parliament Sounds Alarm: Georgia’s Democratic Backslide Halts EU Integration

Georgia's Democratic Stability in Jeopardy, Parliament Warns

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On Wednesday, Members of the European Parliament expressed concern that Georgia's recent decline in democratic practices is stalling its progress toward European Union membership.

In December 2023, Georgia was recognized as a candidate for EU membership. However, a resolution from the Parliament criticizes the ruling Georgian Dream party for advancing an increasingly authoritarian agenda, particularly concerning media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights. European lawmakers point out that recent amendments to electoral laws and the rise of anti-EU rhetoric infringe on freedom of expression, censor the media, limit the voices of critics within civil society and non-governmental organizations, and discriminate against marginalized groups. They emphasize that unless these laws are repealed, Georgia's progress in its relationship with the EU will be stalled.

Officials in the Georgian government are contributing to an atmosphere of animosity.

Members of the European Parliament are calling for a comprehensive inquiry into the incidents of police violence against peaceful demonstrators who took to the streets in the spring of 2024. These protests were in opposition to a law by Georgian Dream, reminiscent of Russian policies, which labeled Western-funded media and NGOs as "foreign agents." Additionally, there is concern over the atmosphere of animosity and intimidation, exacerbated by statements from Georgian government officials and political leaders, along with the administration's efforts to undermine political diversity. The resolution criticizes remarks made by Bidzina Ivanishvili, an oligarch and 'honorary chairman' of Georgian Dream, as well as other government leaders who threatened to ban opposition parties and branded the opposition as a "criminal political force."

Georgia's process of joining the European Union has been essentially paused.

Amidst the ongoing deterioration of democratic principles in Georgia, the Parliament calls for a halt to all EU financial support to the Georgian authorities until the non-democratic legislation is revoked. Members of the European Parliament insist that any forthcoming financial aid to the Georgian government must be subject to stringent requirements.

They remember that during the European Council meeting on December 14 and 15, 2023, Georgia was given the status of a candidate country. This was based on the condition that the actions outlined in the European Commission's recommendation from November 8, 2023, would be implemented. According to them, the Georgian government's present authoritarian path clearly contradicts this goal and has essentially stalled Georgia's progress toward integrating with the EU.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) view the forthcoming parliamentary elections as crucial for shaping Georgia's path towards democracy and its geopolitical direction. Additionally, these elections are seen as pivotal for Georgia's advancement in its bid to become an EU member state. The MEPs call on Georgian officials to guarantee that the elections meet top international standards and to honor the will and freedom of choice of the Georgian populace.

Penalties for Individuals Undermining Georgia’s Democratic System

The proposal urges the European Union and its member countries to ensure that individuals undermining democratic processes in Georgia, such as Bidzina Ivanishvili, are held accountable and face individual sanctions.

The document received approval with 495 votes supporting it, 73 opposing, and 86 members choosing not to vote.

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Viktor ALMQVIST

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