Source: European Parliament
In reaction to Georgia’s democratic backsliding, the EU has adopted a number of measures. Political contacts with the authorities have been downgraded and assistance to the authorities has been suspended.
The EU has stepped up its support to civil society and independent media and additional resources have been made available to counter disinformation[1].
Georgia’s accession process has been effectively halted. Recently, the EU took a decision to suspend the visa-free regime for Georgian holders of diplomatic and service passports[2].
At the Foreign Affairs Council of 16 December 2024(1), High Representative/Vice-President proposed to impose sanctions on those Georgian citizens responsible for, involved in, or associated with serious human rights violations under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime.
While it has not yet been possible to reach an agreement by all Member States, the discussions continue. All decisions on EU sanctions are taken unanimously by Member States in the Council.
The EU is calling on the Georgian authorities to seek a way out of the current crisis by ensuring a dialogue with all political forces and representatives of civil society, while all options to restore trust should be explored.
The recommendations outlined in the final Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe / Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights report[3] should be i mplemented as a matter of priority[4]. The EU remains ready to support all efforts towards a democratic, stable, and European future for the country.
- [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/foreign-affairs-council-press-remarks-high-representative-kaja-kallas-press-conference_en; https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/fac/2024/12/16/
- [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2025/01/27/georgia-council-suspends-visa-free-travel-for-diplomats-and-officials/
- [3] https://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/georgia/584029
- [4] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/georgia-statement-high-representativevice-president-and-commissioner-enlargement-situation-georgia_en