Tensions between Brussels and Tbilisi are deepening following the European Commission’s latest enlargement report, which delivers one of the most critical assessments of Georgia’s progress toward European integration in recent years.

The document argues that the ruling Georgian Dream party’s policies are distancing the country from core European values, turning Georgia’s EU candidate status into a largely symbolic title.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos directly linked Georgia’s stalled reforms to the government’s actions, warning that the country’s political direction is moving it further from EU standards.

The response from Tbilisi was immediate and defiant. Senior Georgian Dream officials, including the Prime Minister, called the conclusions politically motivated and unjustified. While not surprised by the Commission’s tone, the government maintains that Georgia’s progress toward EU membership remains steady and credible.

Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili reiterated that Georgia continues to be one of the best-prepared candidate countries and expressed confidence that the European Union will reinvigorate its enlargement policy by 2030.

She described the report as out of touch with reality and emphasised that Georgia’s institutions are consistently aligning with European norms and legislation.

Despite the growing confrontation with Brussels and what Georgian officials describe as “political isolation,” the government insists that there is no threat to the country’s visa-free regime with the EU. Bochorishvili underscored that Georgia’s European course remains irreversible and that reforms will continue regardless of external criticism.

At the same time, the Foreign Minister defended the government’s measured stance on the Russia–Ukraine war.

She argued that Georgia’s balanced position reflects the approach of several EU and NATO member states that seek to avoid direct confrontation with Moscow.

According to Bochorishvili, Georgia’s support for Ukraine, both political and humanitarian has been consistent since 2022 but remains undervalued in Brussels and Kyiv.

Political analyst Nikola Miković, speaking to Anewz from Belgrade, assessed that Georgia’s limited prospects for EU membership are closely tied to its refusal to open what he described as a “second front” with Russia.

In his view, Tbilisi’s cautious policy has protected domestic stability but also reduced the likelihood of rapid advancement in the EU accession process.

Observers note that the latest European Commission report and the firm response from Tbilisi highlight a widening rift between the Georgian government and European institutions.

As both sides stand by their positions, the future of Georgia’s European trajectory and its credibility as an aspiring EU member remains uncertain.

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