In a letter to EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, 30 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have urged the European Union to take decisive action if Georgia’s democratic integrity is compromised in its upcoming elections. The MEPs expressed deep concern over the state of democracy in Georgia, highlighting the need for a strong response from the EU to ensure that the electoral process is not undermined.
The MEPs raised particular alarm over recent actions by the ruling Georgian Dream government, which they argue signal a slide towards authoritarianism. Of major concern is the reintroduction of the controversial “foreign influence” law, which would force non-governmental organizations (NGOs) receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents.” The law had been withdrawn after mass protests last year but has resurfaced ahead of the elections, sparking fears of a crackdown on civil society. The MEPs warned that this move reflects tactics used by authoritarian regimes like Russia to stifle dissent, and risks undermining Georgia’s democratic future.
The MEPs pointed out that despite around 80% of Georgians supporting EU membership, their aspirations are being undermined by the government’s increasingly authoritarian measures. They also highlighted the need for an expanded European Parliament election observation mission to monitor the elections, especially in rural areas where irregularities are more likely to occur. They stressed that a close watch on the electoral process is crucial to prevent any attempts at manipulation or interference.
In the event that Georgia’s democratic integrity is compromised, the MEPs outlined a series of actions they believe the EU should take. These include suspending EU financial aid to the Georgian government, imposing sanctions on key officials within the Georgian Dream party, and conducting a formal review of Georgia’s EU candidacy.
Additionally, they called for enhanced public diplomacy efforts, urging the EU to communicate its support not just to the Georgian government, but directly to the people of Georgia to reinforce the EU’s commitment to democratic values.
The MEPs warned that any compromise of the elections could set a dangerous precedent for Georgia’s future and the broader Caucasus region. Aligning more closely with Russia, they argued, would threaten both Georgia’s democratic progress and the region’s stability, especially at a time when authoritarianism is gaining ground globally. Allowing Georgia’s electoral process to be undermined could embolden authoritarian actors elsewhere, weakening the EU’s influence among its Eastern partners.
The letter concluded with a firm message to Commissioner Várhelyi, calling on him to act swiftly and decisively to protect democracy in Georgia. The MEPs reaffirmed their commitment to defending European values, including democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
