“Discussions are underway on possible sanctions against individuals responsible for democratic backsliding and human rights violations in Georgia,” said EU Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law Michael McGrath during his address to the European Parliament.

“Under the rule of Georgian Dream, Georgia is moving away from democratic norms. We are witnessing systematic attacks on democratic institutions and fundamental rights. We support the right of the Georgian people to continue demanding a democratic European future. The political and human rights crisis in a candidate country is unprecedented. The EU Enlargement Report clearly highlighted Georgia’s democratic backsliding, as well as the authorities’ anti-EU rhetoric, which is unprecedented for a candidate country. The rapid erosion of the rule of law, the adoption of restrictive legislation, and the instrumentalization of the judiciary do not meet the expectations for a candidate country. I urge the Georgian authorities to view the Enlargement Report as an opportunity to change course, restore trust, and return to the path toward the European Union. Ultimately, Georgia’s future is in their hands,” said Michael McGrath.

According to him, “Georgia continues to violate the human rights and rule of law criteria that are conditions for the visa-free regime.”

“The report on the visa suspension mechanism will be published by the end of this week, and new rules will enter into force by the end of the year. These new rules will give us greater capacity to take appropriate measures. Discussions are underway on possible sanctions against those responsible for democratic backsliding and human rights violations in Georgia. We will continue to support civil society, human rights defenders, independent media, and citizens across the country. The European Union stands with the Georgian people. Our door remains open if the authorities change course on democratic backsliding and demonstrate commitment to returning to the path of EU accession,” the EU Commissioner stated.