Georgia’s EU path “de facto halted” as European Council calls for democratic reforms
The Council emphasized the importance of free and fair parliamentary elections with unhindered access for observers.
The European Council has announced the de facto suspension of Georgia’s accession process to the European Union, citing serious concerns about the actions of the Georgian government. The decision was revealed in a document published on the Council’s website on 17 October 2024.
The council reaffirmed the Union’s readiness to support the Georgian people on their European path. However, it simultaneously reiterated its serious concern regarding the course of action taken by the Georgian government, which, according to the council, “runs counter to the values and principles upon which the European Union is founded.”
In a stark warning, the European Council stated that such a course of action “jeopardises Georgia’s European path, and de facto halts the accession process.” The council called on Georgia to adopt “democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms, in line with the core principles of European integration.”
Looking ahead to Georgia’s upcoming parliamentary elections, the European Council emphasized its expectations for free and fair elections, in line with international standards. The council stressed the need for “unhindered access for international and domestic election observers,” underlining the importance of transparency in the electoral process. Parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Georgia on 26 October 2024.
The European Council also highlighted the critical role of media freedom in Georgia’s democratic development, stressing “the need to protect a free, independent and pluralistic media” in the country.”
The council also emphasized the European Union’s “continued commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its policy of non-recognition and engagement” and “unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.” This policy refers to the EU’s stance on Georgia’s Russian-controlled breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
Related:
- European institutions halt contacts with Georgia’s government
- EU deplores Georgia’s “family values” laws, warns of discrimination risks
- The world ignored Putin’s attack on Georgia. And so Ukraine was next
- Ukrainian LGBTQ+ community fights for Ukraine
- Georgian fighters face terrorism charges after returning from Ukraine
- Ukraine restores ferry service to Georgia across Black Sea, suspended due to Russia invasion
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.
We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.
A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support.
