Follow up to T10-0158/2025

Follow-up to the European Parliament non-legislative resolution on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Georgia

Rapporteur: Rasa JUKNEVIČIENĖ (EPP / LT)

Reference number: 2025/2024(INI) / A10-0110/2025 / P10_TA(2025)0158

Date of adoption of the resolution: 9 July 2025

Competent Parliamentary Committee: Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET)

Brief analysis/ assessment of the resolution and requests made in it:

The report expresses deep concerns about the state of democracy, rule of law, and European integration in Georgia. It strongly condemns the Georgian government’s violent repression of peaceful protesters, arbitrary political detentions, and use of torture, demanding respect for freedoms and the immediate release of political prisoners. The report highlights the judiciary’s lack of independence, with politically biased judges undermining justice.

Due to ongoing democratic backsliding and repressive legislation, the Parliament calls for an urgent audit of the EU’s policy toward Georgia and a review of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, warning that failure to meet democratic and human rights obligations could lead to suspension of economic privileges. The report criticises media domination by outlets aligned with the ruling Georgian Dream party, which spread misinformation and Russian-style propaganda.

The report stresses that resolving Georgia’s political crisis requires new, free, and fair parliamentary elections under independent oversight, rejecting the legitimacy of authorities formed after the disputed 2024 elections. It condemns persecution of opposition members and views the 2025 municipal elections as crucial for democracy’s future. The report praises civil society’s role in defending rights despite repression and calls on the EU to consider suspending Georgia’s visa-free travel if democratic standards continue to decline.

Finally, the report denounces Georgia’s poor alignment with EU foreign and security policies, warning that the ruling party’s direction risks turning Georgia into a Russian client state, isolating it and destabilising the region.

Response to requests and overview of action taken, or intended to be taken, by the Commission:

On paragraph 4, the EU is considering several options for further action in response to the democratic backsliding in Georgia, including actions related to the visa-free regime, the Association Agreement and sanctions. All options are on the table.

On paragraph 6, EU Member States discussed the possible adoption of several packages of sanctions in Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meetings, including in the one held on 15 July 2025. An agreement by all EU Member States to impose sanctions on those responsible for human rights violations has not been reached yet. Discussions in the Council continue.

On paragraph 13, in June 2024 the European Council decided on the de facto halt of Georgia’s EU accession process. Since then, there have been no high-level meetings of the EU-Georgia Association Council or Association Committee.

The Commission has paused work with the Georgian authorities on agreements or non-binding instruments such as the association to EU programmes or memoranda of understanding.

On paragraph 18, the EU has halted the disbursement and programming of funds directly benefitting the Georgian authorities amounting to more than EUR 120 million. Budget support operations have been terminated. The EU has reviewed its portfolio of ongoing assistance projects with a view to halting assistance directly benefitting the Georgian authorities.

In parallel, the Commission has increased its support to Civil Society Organisations and independent media. The recent repressive laws, notably the Foreign Agent Registration Act, the amendments to the Law on Grants and to the Law on Broadcasting, will have a negative impact on the Commission’s ability to deliver EU financial assistance. But the Commission is committed to finding the best ways for support to reach Georgian civil society and media – without endangering their safety.

On paragraph 20, discussions on adopting EU-wide sanctions under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime (EUGHRSR) or other sanctions regimes continue in the Council. In the meantime, a number of Member States adopted national travel bans against Georgian Dream officials.

On paragraph 21, the European External Action Service and some Member States have proposed several sanction listings under the EUGHRSR targeting those directly responsible for human rights violations in Georgia. Several rounds of discussions took place in the Council’s working parties and in FAC meetings, including the meeting in July 2025. Discussions on imposing sanctions under the EUGHRSR or other regimes continue.

On paragraph 22, the Commission issues the report under the Visa Suspension Mechanism (VSM) every year to monitor the EU’s visa-free regimes with third countries, including Georgia. The VSM report monitors the progress on recommendations from the previous year report, as well as the areas that still require improvement.

In the 7th VSM report adopted on 6 December 2024, the Commission called on Georgian authorities to ensure the protection of fundamental rights of all Georgian citizens and uphold the rule of law. In particular, the Georgian authorities were asked to repeal legislation that restricted fundamental rights and freedoms, and ensure the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s effective independence, political neutrality and functions.

On 27 January 2025, the Council of the EU partially suspended the Visa Facilitation Agreement between the EU and Georgia providing for the visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports. Following that suspension, 19 Members States adopted national measures to effectively suspend visa free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports issued by Georgian authorities.

On 14 July 2025, the Commission sent a letter requesting the Georgian authorities to provide an update by the end of August on the implementation of the recommendations and to address the concerns contained in the 7th VSM report. On 31 August 2025, the Commission received a reply from the Georgian authorities to the questions raised in the letter sent on 14 July which is currently being analysed by Commission services.

Georgia’s response and progress in addressing the recommendations outlined in the Commission’s letter will be assessed within the framework of the 8th report under the VSM whose adoption by the Commission is expected by the end of the year.

On paragraph 24, Member States' competent authorities have the primary responsibility to investigate sanctions violations and circumvention. The Commission supports the implementation and enforcement of EU sanctions by Member States and continuously monitors any circumvention through third countries, including Georgia. The EU is regularly assessing allegations of sanctions circumvention in third countries and will continue to identify and list individuals and entities facilitating such circumvention.

On paragraph 25, the EU has stopped financial assistance directly benefiting the Georgian authorities and has stepped up support to civil society and independent media. The Commission recognises the strategic importance of regional connectivity in the South Caucasus. Nevertheless, the current political context must also be carefully considered.

On paragraph 28, the EU remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Georgia and continues to support Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU has been engaged in conflict resolution efforts, including as co-chair in the Geneva International Discussions and the efforts of the EU Special Representative. The continued presence of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia with over 200 civilian monitors has also contributed to the stabilisation of the security situation. The EU will continue supporting civil society resilience, confidence-building initiatives and locally led peacebuilding processes in the occupied breakaway regions through relevant programmes.