Georgia’s path towards European Union membership is facing its most serious crisis to date, with senior European lawmakers warning that the country is now a “candidate in name only” and accusing the ruling government of reversing democratic progress and drifting away from Europe.

The warning came during the presentation of a new report on Georgia at the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, where Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed deep concern over political developments, human rights issues and the country’s geopolitical direction.

Lithuanian MEP Rasa Jukneviciene, who presented the report, said the situation in Georgia was deteriorating rapidly and described the European Commission’s latest assessment as the worst ever delivered to an EU candidate country.

“Georgia is now a candidate country in name only,” Jukneviciene said, citing the European Commission’s 2025 enlargement report and conclusions from EU leaders.

Lawmakers accuse Georgian Dream of democratic backslide

The report places responsibility squarely on the ruling party, Georgian Dream, which has governed the country since 2012. According to EU lawmakers, the government has failed to meet key democratic reform priorities set as conditions for EU candidate status, which Georgia was granted in December 2023.

Jukneviciene said there had been regression across all nine reform areas identified by the EU, including judicial independence, media freedom and political pluralism. She also accused senior government officials and pro-government media of promoting anti-European rhetoric, despite publicly maintaining that EU membership remains a strategic goal.

The report raises the possibility of targeted sanctions against individuals deemed responsible for democratic backsliding, including billionaire and Georgian Dream founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is widely regarded as the country’s most influential political figure.

German MEP Tobias Kremer echoed those concerns, stating that Georgian Dream was undermining the country’s European future and distancing itself from democratic standards.

“The only thing that still gives us hope is the Georgian people,” Kremer said, praising citizens who continue to protest despite political pressure.

Human rights concerns and visa-free travel at risk

EU officials also warned that further democratic decline could have direct consequences for Georgian citizens, including the possible suspension of visa-free travel to the Schengen area - one of the EU’s most tangible benefits for Georgians.

European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chair David McAllister said Georgia’s democratic regression had led to a harsh reassessment of its EU prospects.

“There are many reasons for such an assessment, but the responsibility lies squarely with the ruling party,” McAllister said, while reaffirming the EU’s support for the Georgian people’s European aspirations.

Spanish MEP Nacho Sánchez Amor also called on Georgia’s opposition to co-operate and present voters with a credible democratic alternative.

Divisions within the European Parliament

Not all European lawmakers agreed with the criticism. Polish MEP Grzegorz Braun questioned the EU’s interpretation of developments in Georgia, suggesting that some political changes could reflect national sovereignty rather than democratic decline.

Meanwhile, Georgian Dream leaders have repeatedly rejected accusations of democratic backsliding, insisting that EU integration remains a priority. Government officials argue that Georgia continues to implement reforms while defending its national interests and political independence.

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A critical moment for Georgia’s European future

Georgia, a country of 3.7 million people in the South Caucasus, has long pursued EU membership as a strategic objective and continues to enjoy strong public support for integration. However, the latest warnings from Brussels signal growing frustration within the bloc over the country’s political direction.

While EU leaders continue to express support for the Georgian population, the report makes clear that further democratic decline could slow - or even halt - Georgia’s membership process.

The outcome is likely to depend on whether Georgia’s leadership takes steps to restore democratic reforms or continues on a path that risks pushing the country further away from Europe.

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News Europe Georgia European Union European Commission European Parliament Bidzina Ivanishvili Democracy