I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.

1. The European Union reiterates its serious concern regarding the course of action taken by the Georgian authorities, including the adoption of the law on transparency of foreign influence, as well as other legislation which runs counter to the values and principles upon which the EU is founded and which represent backsliding on the steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation for candidate status. Such a course of action jeopardises Georgia’s European path, de facto leading to a halt of the accession process. We regret the Georgian government’s recent decision to suspend the country’s EU accession process until 2028.
2. We strongly condemn the violence against peaceful protesters, media representatives and politicians. The Georgian authorities must respect the right to freedom of assembly and of expression, and refrain from using force. All acts of violence must be investigated and those responsible held accountable.
3. We stand with the Georgian people and their choice for a European future. The door to the EU remains open and the return of Georgia to the European values and the EU accession path is in the hands of the Georgian leadership. We call on the Georgian authorities to urgently revert to the EU path and adopt democratic, comprehensive and sustainable reforms, in line with the core principles of European integration. We underline the importance of reverting to the implementation of the nine steps set in the 2023 Enlargement communication of the Commission.
4. We are deeply concerned about the backsliding in the areas of democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights. Georgia needs to guarantee the full respect for fundamental rights, including the freedom of expression and assembly, and the freedom, independence and pluralism of the media, as well as the rights of LGBTI persons.
5. To react to Georgia’s democratic backsliding, the EU adopted a number of measures, including the suspension of our assistance directly benefiting the authorities. The process of the suspension of the visa-free regime for Georgian holders of diplomatic and official passports is currently ongoing.
6. Recalling that a functioning civil society is a crucial component of any democratic system, we call on Georgia to ensure that its vibrant civil society is able to function without restrictions, and actively, inclusively and meaningfully engage in the policymaking process.
7. We note with serious concern the findings by OSCE/ODIHR, which indicate that the parliamentary elections on 26 October were characterised by several shortcomings and a tense and highly polarised environment. In order to improve the conditions for the proper functioning of democratic institutions, the EU strongly encourages Georgia to investigate and address electoral irregularities and allegations thereof, and to address these and other OSCE/ODIHR and Council of Europe bodies’ recommendations, also recalling that a comprehensive electoral reform is part of the nine steps.
8. We call on the Georgian authorities to take concrete actions to overcome the increasing polarisation and refrain from actions that could further deepen the political tensions, such as anti-EU rhetoric and disinformation.
9. Substantial efforts towards a comprehensive reform of the judiciary, in line with European standards and recommendations of the Venice Commission, are still required. Of equal importance is the development of a strong track record in fighting corruption and organised crime, and the implementation of de-oligarchisation actions.
10. We reaffirm our support to Georgia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and remain firmly committed to peaceful conflict resolution and our policy of non-recognition and engagement, including through the work of the EU Special Representative and the presence of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia.

The following countries align with this statement: Albania, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine, United Kingdom.