The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Georgia, with 444 votes in favor and 72 against. The resolution outlines several critical demands, including the holding of fresh, free, and fair elections in Georgia, the imposition of personal sanctions on Georgian officials, and a review of the country’s visa-free travel status with the European Union (EU).
Key points from the resolution include:
Sanctions on Georgian Officials: The European Parliament calls on the EU and its Member States to impose personal sanctions on key Georgian political leaders, including Honorary Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, former PM and ruling party chair Irakli Garibashvili, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and PM Irakli Kobakhidze. It also calls for sanctions against judges involved in politically motivated decisions, alongside a freeze of Ivanishvili’s assets in the EU.
Re-run of Elections: The resolution rejects the results of the October 2024 parliamentary elections, calling for new elections to be held in a more conducive and transparent environment within one year. The re-election process should be supervised by an independent election administration and be monitored by international observers to ensure fairness.
Visa Liberalization Review: The resolution stresses that the EU must assess Georgia’s commitment to democratic governance and fundamental rights. It urges the European Commission and Council to review the country’s visa-free status with the EU, with the possibility of suspension if EU standards are not met.
EU Diplomatic Engagement: The Parliament calls for the EU to limit official contacts with the Georgian government and parliament at the EU level. It also urges a comprehensive revision of EU policy towards Georgia, recommending that frozen EU funds (€120 million) be redirected to support Georgian civil society, non-governmental organizations, and independent media, which are under increasing pressure from the ruling party.
Recommendation to the European Council and Commission: The resolution, which is of a recommendatory nature, will be sent to the European Council and the European Commission for further action.
This resolution reflects the EU’s growing concern over democratic backsliding in Georgia and its implications for the country’s future relationship with the EU.
