European Commissioner: Georgian Dream's actions strike at the heart of democracy and undermine EU accession; we call on the party to reverse harmful actions, release those unlawfully detained, and engage in a genuine dialogue with all political forces

The European Union calls on Georgian Dream to reverse its harmful actions, amend anti-democratic laws, and release unlawfully detained opposition members; this was stated by European Commissioner Jessika Roswall during a debate in the European Parliament.

The European Commissioner urged the government to engage in a genuine dialogue with all political forces in order to restore trust.

The European Commissioner emphasized that the EU's door remains open for a constructive dialogue with Georgia—based on mutual respect—to find a way out of the current impasse in relations.

“Under Georgian Dream, Georgia continues to drift away from democratic norms and the European path chosen by its people. What we are witnessing is a systematic attack on state institutions, fundamental rights, political pluralism, and the rule of law.

The recent constitutional petition filed by Georgian Dream MPs—seeking to ban opposition parties before the 2028 elections—is part of this pattern. Such actions strike at the heart of democracy and undermine Georgia’s accession to the European Union. The scale of democratic backsliding in Georgia is unprecedented for a candidate country. The European Commission’s 2025 enlargement report made this clear.

Instead of implementing reforms and moving closer to the European Union, the Georgian government has taken actions that undermine the rule of law and shrink civic space. They persist with anti-EU rhetoric and disinformation aimed at eroding the Georgian people's trust in the European Union.

Distinguished Members of Parliament, the Georgian people have long aspired to membership in the European family. We continue to stand by the Georgian people amidst ongoing challenges. The European Union has also responded to these challenges: we have downgraded political contacts with the government, suspended meetings of the bodies established under the Association Agreement, and halted support that directly benefits the government. We have suspended visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports.

At the same time, we remain firmly committed to supporting the Georgian people and civil society. The European Union calls on Georgian Dream to reverse its harmful actions, amend anti-democratic laws, and release unlawfully detained opposition members. We urge the government to engage in a genuine dialogue with all political forces in order to restore trust. Our door remains open for a constructive dialogue with Georgia—based on mutual respect—to find a way out of the current impasse in our relations. The European Union stands by the Georgian people and their democratic European aspirations," said Roswall.