EU’s Kallas warns of democratic backsliding in Georgia, Russian influence

The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has criticised Georgia’s leadership, warning of restrictions on political expression and shrinking civic space despite strong public support for a European future.

Speaking on the country’s trajectory on Thursday, she said Georgia illustrated the risks faced by states that remained outside core European structures.

“Look at Georgia – a country where the majority of people want a European future, yet its leadership is restricting political expression and narrowing civic space,” she said.

Kallas added that the country served as “a clear reminder” of the consequences when Russia succeeded in exerting influence, warning that states left in a geopolitical “grey zone” remain vulnerable to pressure and democratic decline.

She also urged EU candidate countries to accelerate reforms, particularly in key areas such as the rule of law, judicial independence, media freedom and the fight against corruption.

“As someone from a country that has gone through this path, I can say this is not just about formally ticking boxes,” Kaja Kallas said, stressing that reforms must be substantive and lasting.