European Council emphasized its expectation that the elections will be free and adhere to international standards.
The European Council has cautioned Georgia's government that its recent actions are putting the country's EU membership prospects at risk.
During the October 17 summit, the Council affirmed its support for Georgia’s EU integration but raised concerns over the government's direction, stating that its actions conflict with EU principles and values.
The European Council recalls that such a course of action jeopardises Georgia’s European path and de facto halts the accession process. It calls on Georgia to adopt democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms in line with the core principles of European integration.
--European Union Website
The European Council said it will continue to monitor the situation carefully.
The European Council reaffirms the European Union’s unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. It underlines the European Union’s continued commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and its policy of non-recognition and engagement.
--European Union Website
In September, a European Commission spokesperson told Politico that the 2017 visa-free travel agreement between the EU and Georgia could face a temporary suspension if Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, continues its authoritarian path. This suspension does not require unanimous approval from the EU.
EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, stated today that the EU will observe the upcoming parliamentary elections before making decisions. He expressed hope that the elections will meet the highest international standards, clarifying that warnings about the visa-free suspension are not threats, but a realistic possibility.
Georgia applied for EU membership on March 3, 2022. The European Commission recommended candidate status for Georgia on November 8, and the country was officially granted this status in December 2023.
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