MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU Response to democratic backsliding and Russification in Georgia: sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and other responsible actors – P-002424/2025(ASW)

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. The visa-free regime for the Georgian holders of diplomatic and service passports has been suspended[2].

At the Foreign Affairs Council of 16 December 2024[3], the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) 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 unanimity on sanctions has not been reached yet by Member States in the Council, discussions with Member States continue.

As announced by the HR/VP at the Foreign Affairs Council of 23 June 2025[4], the situation in Georgia and further concrete EU measures will be discussed at an upcoming Foreign Affairs Council.

• [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.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/foreign-affairs-council-press-remarks-high-representative-kaja-kallas-press-conference_en.
• [4] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/foreign-affairs-council-remarks-high-representative-kaja-kallas-press-conference-0_en.