The European Union has suspended Georgia’s EU membership process due to the actions of the Georgian government and will remain so until Georgia continues to distance itself from the EU, EU Ambassador Pavel Herczynski announced on Wednesday.
The ambassador noted that while other candidate countries have made progress this year, Georgia has regressed. “The annual enlargement report evaluates the progress of all ten countries that have applied for EU membership, focusing on fundamental reforms. Last year, the European Commission recommended EU candidate status for Georgia, marking a hopeful day for both Georgia and the EU. Unfortunately, a year later, there is little to celebrate,” Herczynski stated.
He emphasized that while some progress was made in areas like energy and climate readiness, it was overshadowed by democratic setbacks and a rise in hostile narratives against the EU. The ambassador underlined that EU membership is merit-based and depends on progress; thus, Georgia’s leadership bears the responsibility to advance the relationship.
“Serious violations were noted during the elections in Georgia, which do not meet the standards expected from an EU candidate member. These violations need to be investigated swiftly. The future of the relationship between the EU and Georgia is now in the hands of Georgia’s leaders,” he stressed.
Herczynski encouraged the Georgian government to carefully review the 103-page enlargement report, as it offers a clear roadmap for EU engagement. “Only through committed reforms can Georgia move forward on the EU path,” he concluded.
