EU summit signals effective blockage of Georgia's EU admission process

The recent EU summit has effectively blocked Georgia's process for admission into the European Union, citing the country’s violations of European values.

This assertion is outlined in the summit's concluding statement, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreign media.

“The European Council expresses serious concern regarding the actions of the Georgian government, which contradict the values and principles foundational to the European Union. This trajectory undermines Georgia's European aspirations and effectively stalls the EU admission process,” the statement declares.

The summit further expressed its “readiness to support the Georgian people on their European journey,” clearly distinguishing the populace from the government. Additionally, Brussels emphasized that it would “closely monitor” the upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia, insisting they must be “free and fair,” involve foreign observers, and be backed by “free, independent, and diverse media.”

To realign with the EU path, Brussels has called for Georgia to implement “democratic, comprehensive, and sustainable reforms in accordance with the principles of European integration.”

While the document does not specify the exact requirements, European officials have previously highlighted three primary demands: the repeal of the foreign agents' legislation, the removal of the ban on LGBT propaganda, and a commitment to a confrontational stance towards Moscow, including alignment with EU anti-Russian sanctions, similar to the approach taken by Moldovan leadership.

Supporting the EU’s foreign policy, including its sanctions policy, is a formal requirement for all candidate countries seeking admission.

In September, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze asserted that Georgia aims to join the European Union by 2030, noting that the country currently stands at a pivotal juncture in its history. He emphasized that the chosen path for Georgia's development must prioritize the interests of its citizens.

By Tamilla Hasanova