The European Union (EU) appears increasingly skeptical about Georgia’s suitability for membership, following the European Commission’s release of its latest report on the nation’s progress towards accession. Published on Wednesday, the report casts doubt on whether Georgia will soon commence formal accession talks, a disappointment for a country once considered a hopeful candidate for EU expansion. This is the latest setback for Georgia, following an election marred by violence and accusations of democratic backsliding that has stirred further European skepticism.
At the center of these concerns is the ruling party, Georgian Dream, which won approximately 54 percent of the vote in a recent parliamentary election marred by violence, disinformation, and numerous allegations of unfair practices. Critics argue the party’s actions have pushed the nation further away from the EU’s core values of democracy, human rights, and rule of law.
EU Ambassador to Georgia Pawel Herczynski minced no words in his assessment, stating that “due to the course of action taken by the Georgian government, EU leaders have stopped Georgia’s access process.” He emphasized that Georgia’s hopes of EU membership “remain on hold as long as Georgia continues to move away from the European Union, our values, and our precedents.” The Commission report underscored the country’s “backsliding” in combating disinformation, reducing political polarization, and safeguarding human rights—all of which were stipulated as prerequisites in the EU’s prior offer of candidate status, granted on the condition of significant reforms.
For many in Brussels, Georgia’s shift in direction has been unsettling. The EU’s 2023 recommendation for candidate status came with a list of nine reforms, each deemed essential for alignment with the European bloc’s expectations. These included advancing human rights protections, tackling disinformation, and ensuring judicial independence. In the past year, however, Georgia has fallen short on these fronts, with its government choosing to focus instead on divisive legislation and rhetoric that contradict EU standards.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell raised similar concerns, pointing to how independent observers had refused to declare the parliamentary elections “free and fair.” He warned that the Georgian authorities are moving the nation “away from the European Union, away from its values and principles.” This sentiment was echoed by leaders across Europe, who expressed frustration at Georgia’s seeming departure from the democratization and transparency that the EU had emphasized as conditions for integration.
Amid the political discord, Georgian Dream introduced legislation that has raised alarm among international observers. Most notable is a “foreign agents” law that closely mirrors Russian legislation enacted in 2012, which mandates that organizations receiving foreign funding be registered as “foreign agents.” This legislation has been widely criticized by rights groups, who argue that it stifles dissent and suppresses civil society organizations, which are often critical of the government.
In addition, the government has pushed forward with an “anti-LGBT propaganda” law, restricting same-sex marriage, adoption rights, and access to gender-affirming care. Observers note that these laws mark a sharp shift from the EU’s inclusivity policies and represent a clear deviation from values the bloc holds as fundamental. Critics have accused Georgian Dream of attempting to appease conservative elements within the country by promoting a “pro-Georgian” identity in opposition to what it perceives as “Western liberalism.”
The moves have put Georgia in line with countries like Hungary and Poland, where similarly contentious legislation has drawn EU sanctions and jeopardized integration prospects. For Georgia, however, the stakes are even higher. As a nation striving to secure membership, aligning itself with values at odds with EU policies only complicates its accession path further.
Aside from its controversial laws, Georgian Dream has stoked political polarization within the country. Its recent campaign focused on pledges to ban opposition parties, consolidating power in a way that many European observers find concerning. This hardline stance toward opposition groups has raised alarm bells about the state of democracy in Georgia and raised questions about the government’s commitment to pluralism, a cornerstone of EU values.
“The election campaign and subsequent actions by the ruling party have resulted in an environment of heightened political tension,” said European Parliament member Viola von Cramon. “Such an approach not only polarizes the public but also deepens the sense of alienation from Europe.” In von Cramon’s view, the EU cannot extend membership to a country with a political climate marked by exclusion and repression.
In response, Georgian Dream has reiterated its intention to “pursue EU membership on its own terms,” a statement that has fueled additional doubts in Brussels about the sincerity of its commitment to the EU’s conditions for accession. Georgian Dream’s interpretation of EU membership appears to differ from the bloc’s foundational principles, as demonstrated by the party’s track record over recent years.
For the EU, elections play a critical role in assessing a country’s readiness for membership, as they serve as indicators of democratic health and the rule of law. The recent Georgian election, however, was anything but reassuring. Reports of violence at polling stations, accusations of ballot tampering, and intimidation tactics used against opposition supporters have cast a long shadow over Georgian Dream’s victory. Independent monitors, including those from the EU, were reluctant to describe the election process as either fair or legitimate.
For many EU leaders, the election results serve as a warning that Georgia’s current political trajectory may be fundamentally incompatible with EU norms. European Commission officials have also expressed concern over the decline in freedom of the press and the challenges faced by journalists in reporting on government actions.
The EU has consistently supported democratic development in Georgia, including millions of euros in funding aimed at building stronger democratic institutions. The current government’s seeming disregard for these principles, however, has raised questions within the bloc about the effectiveness of its aid and the viability of further support.
As Georgia’s EU aspirations face serious setbacks, the repercussions are being felt by the Georgian populace, especially its younger, pro-European demographic. Polls have shown that a majority of Georgians support EU membership, viewing it as a path to greater economic opportunities, strengthened human rights protections, and enhanced security. This generation now finds itself at odds with the Georgian Dream government, whose policies reflect a more insular and conservative vision.
Civil society organizations and grassroots groups, which have been instrumental in advocating for Georgia’s EU membership, are now facing an uphill battle. Many of these organizations are dependent on international support, which has become more precarious under the “foreign agents” law. The EU has voiced its commitment to supporting these groups, but they continue to face harassment, restrictions, and public stigmatization under the current political climate.
According to recent polls, support for EU membership remains high among the Georgian public, despite the government’s approach. This public sentiment places additional pressure on the government, as citizens increasingly view alignment with Europe as critical to their nation’s future.
Georgia’s situation has prompted broader reflection within the EU on the enlargement process itself. The bloc faces a dilemma as it contemplates how to handle prospective members whose political landscapes may not fully align with EU standards. With similar issues arising in neighboring Ukraine and Moldova, EU leaders are increasingly aware of the challenges in integrating countries that face internal political turmoil and pressure from Russian influence.
In recent years, the EU has sought to adapt its enlargement criteria to address concerns over rule of law and democratic integrity. However, the Georgian case suggests that further changes may be necessary to ensure that potential member states are truly committed to the bloc’s core principles. Josep Borrell has indicated that the EU will continue to support reform in Georgia, but stressed that meaningful progress in areas like judicial reform, anti-corruption efforts, and media freedom is essential for furthering the accession process.
As the EU contemplates its next steps, Georgia finds itself at a crossroads. For the country to maintain its EU prospects, analysts agree that significant political and social reforms are needed. The EU’s influence over the region remains strong, yet it is clear that membership aspirations alone may not be enough to motivate the Georgian government to undertake these changes.
The EU has, however, hinted at possible incentives for countries like Georgia if they show renewed commitment to reforms. European leaders are also exploring mechanisms for more direct engagement with Georgian civil society, which could serve as a counterweight to the government’s increasingly authoritarian tendencies. While accession talks remain frozen, some argue that enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, education, and infrastructure could still yield benefits for the Georgian people without full membership status.
The situation remains tenuous, and as both Georgia and the EU look ahead, it is uncertain whether the relationship can be salvaged or if the two will continue to drift apart. For now, Georgia’s EU ambitions are in limbo, and the onus is on Georgian Dream to decide whether it will embrace the reforms needed to move forward—or continue down a path that may ultimately isolate it from Europe.
