On June 17, the European Parliament passed a rigorous resolution that signals a profound cooling of relations between Brussels and Tbilisi. By a significant margin, MEPs condemned what they describe as a dramatic democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party, effectively labeling the current government as having abandoned its European aspirations. The resolution is not merely a diplomatic critique; it serves as a formal call for the EU and its member states to impose targeted personal sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili and other key leaders within the Georgian administration, accusing them of overseeing state capture, electoral fraud, and the dismantling of the rule of law.
At the heart of the European Parliament’s frustration is the perception that the Georgian government is mimicking Russian hybrid tactics. The document highlights a troubling pattern of state-sponsored disinformation, political harassment, and the systematic repression of civil society. MEPs expressed deep “disappointment” that Georgia has not only stalled on its path toward EU integration but has actively reversed the progress required for candidate status. Furthermore, the parliament reiterated its stance that the current Georgian authorities and the parliament emerging from the 2024 elections lack legitimacy, reflecting a growing chasm between the Georgian government’s rhetoric and the EU’s democratic expectations.
A significant portion of the resolution addresses the role of state-aligned media outlets—specifically Imedi TV, PosTV, and Rustavi 2—which the Parliament accuses of running orchestrated smear campaigns against the EU and its diplomats. The resolution proposes that the EU adopt a policy similar to the United Kingdom’s, by placing restrictive measures on the individuals and entities responsible for financing and spreading this “hostile propaganda.” Additionally, the report targets the Georgian National Communications Commission and the Public Broadcaster, suggesting that those managing these institutions should face consequences for their role in facilitating the state’s anti-Western narrative.
Beyond political and media crackdowns, the resolution lambasts the Georgian government’s legislative agenda, which restricts the operational independence of civil society and independent media. Laws regarding grants, assemblies, and the so-called “Family Values” legislation are viewed as direct attempts to stifle fundamental human rights, including those of the LGBTIQ+ community. The European Parliament has demanded the immediate release of political prisoners and a complete repeal of these restrictive measures, warning that any further engagement with the Georgian authorities must be strictly conditional upon verifiable, tangible progress in restoring democratic norms.
The resolution also paints a concerning picture of Georgia’s pivot away from Euro-Atlantic security structures. MEPs noted with alarm that Georgia’s alignment with EU foreign policy has dropped to a mere 40%, pointing to a strategic shift toward influence from China, Iran, and Russia. The report highlights fears that Georgia is becoming a transit point for sanction evasion and that critical infrastructure projects—such as the Anaklia Deep Sea Port—could be exploited by Chinese state actors. Through this alignment, the Parliament argues that Georgian Dream is creating an environment where regional neighbors can influence the country’s domestic policies and undermine its long-standing commitment to Western values.
Ultimately, the tone of the resolution is one of standing with the people of Georgia while holding their government accountable. While MEPs condemned the ongoing Russian occupation of Abkhazia and South Tskhinvali and reaffirmed their commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty, they placed the primary onus for the country’s national crisis on the internal policies of the current leadership. By calling for comprehensive asset freezes and visa bans on those responsible for the country’s “anti-European course,” the European Parliament has set a rigid benchmark: unless the government reverses its current course, it faces prolonged international isolation and the potential collapse of its long-held dream of European integration.