EU Parliament Sounds Alarm: Georgia’s Democratic Backsliding Threatens EU Integration

Georgia's Democratic Stability Under Threat, Warns Parliament

In a resolution passed on Wednesday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed concern that the recent regression in Georgia's democratic practices is jeopardizing its progress towards joining the European Union.

Although Georgia received EU candidate status in December 2023, a resolution from Parliament draws attention to the ruling Georgian Dream party's drift towards authoritarianism, especially concerning media freedoms and LGBTQ+ rights. Alongside alterations to electoral laws and a rise in anti-EU sentiment, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) argue that these measures infringe on freedom of expression, suppress media, limit dissenting voices within civil society and NGOs, and discriminate against marginalized groups. They emphasize that unless these laws are abolished, advancing Georgia’s relationship with the EU will be impossible.

Officials in the Georgian government are contributing to a hostile atmosphere.

Members of the European Parliament are calling for a comprehensive investigation into instances of police violence against peaceful demonstrators who rallied in the spring of 2024. These protests were in response to a law, modeled after Russian legislation, introduced by the Georgian Dream party, which labels Western-funded media and NGOs as "foreign agents." The MEPs also express concern over the hostile and intimidating atmosphere, exacerbated by statements from Georgian government officials and political leaders, as well as the administration's assaults on political diversity. The resolution denounces remarks made by oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, the 'honorary chairman' of Georgian Dream, and other prominent government figures, who have threatened to dissolve opposition parties and labeled the opposition as a "criminal political force."

Georgia's process of joining the EU has been effectively paused.

In light of Georgia’s ongoing democratic deterioration, the Parliament is calling for a halt to all EU financial aid to the Georgian government until the undemocratic legislation is revoked. Members of the European Parliament insist that any forthcoming financial support to Georgia should be subject to stringent requirements.

They remember that during the European Council meeting on December 14 and 15, 2023, Georgia was granted the status of an EU candidate country, contingent upon implementing measures outlined in the European Commission's November 8, 2023, recommendation. According to them, the Georgian government's present authoritarian direction contradicts this goal and has essentially stalled Georgia's progress towards EU integration.

Members of the European Parliament consider the forthcoming parliamentary elections crucial for shaping Georgia's path toward democratic growth and its geopolitical direction. Additionally, these elections are seen as a key factor in advancing Georgia's bid for EU membership. They call on Georgian officials to guarantee that the elections meet top-tier international criteria and honor the preferences and autonomy of the Georgian electorate.

Penalties Imposed on Individuals Endangering Democratic Processes in Georgia

The resolution urges the European Union and its member countries to ensure accountability and enforce individual sanctions on everyone involved in weakening democracy in Georgia, including Bidzina Ivanishvili.

The document received approval from 495 members, while 73 opposed it and 86 chose not to vote.

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Viktor ALMQVIST

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