**European Parliament Condemns Georgia’s Democratic Backsliding**
The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has adopted a report on the political developments in Georgia, expressing deep concern over the country’s democratic backsliding. The report, drafted by Lithuanian MEP Rasa Juknevičienė, was approved with amendments and highlights the significant decline of democracy in Georgia.
According to the report, the ruling party’s decision to abandon Georgia’s EU path is a major blow to the country’s European integration aspirations. The committee expresses regret that the government failed to use the historic opportunity to advance EU integration despite wider public support. The report notes that Georgia has regressed on key steps towards EU integration and condemns the brutal crackdowns on protests and violent repression of peaceful protesters.
The document calls for a reassessment of the EU’s policy towards Georgia, warning of the conditional suspension of economic cooperation and privileges under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement. It also demands an investigation into violent acts against protesters and media representatives.
**Key Findings and Recommendations**
* The report condemns the rigged elections in October 2024, which it calls a “self-proclaimed” parliament.
* The committee urges the EU to introduce personal sanctions against key political leaders, officials, and regime enablers responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations, and persecution of activists.
* The report regrets that Georgia made no progress in implementing the EU’s recommendations and notes a remarkably low level of alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy.
* The committee expresses deep concern over the government’s collaboration and rapprochement with Russia despite the country being occupied.
**Next Steps**
The European Parliament has released a statement calling on opposition parties to seize the opportunity to reflect the unity of the Georgian people in support of democracy and the rule of law. MEPs have called for new parliamentary elections, considering Georgia a victim of state capture.
**Civil Society Support**
The report urges the EU Commission to boost support for independent media and NGOs, amid the suspension of USAID funding. It also highlights the continuing destruction efforts to suppress Georgia’s civil society through restrictive laws, intimidation, and physical assaults on activists and journalists.
**EUR 30 Million Funding Suspension**
The European Peace Facility’s support of EUR 30 million was suspended in 2024 in response to democratic backsliding in Georgia. The report notes that no support is planned for 2025.
As the situation in Georgia continues to deteriorate, the European Parliament remains committed to taking strong action to support democracy and the rule of law.
