The European Parliament (EP) has issued a strong condemnation of the political situation in Georgia, following the adoption of a resolution on July 9 that criticizes democratic regression and state repression in the EU candidate country.

In a press release accompanying the resolution—adopted by 490 votes in favor, 147 against, and 49 abstentions—the EP states that the October 2024 parliamentary elections in Georgia were "rigged" and marked a significant shift toward authoritarianism. Lawmakers assert that the ruling Georgian Dream party used the flawed electoral process to capture state institutions, dismantle democratic checks and balances, and enforce repressive legislation aimed at silencing dissent.

“The Georgian government has dismantled democratic safeguards, cracked down on political opponents, independent journalists, and peaceful demonstrators,” the statement reads.

The resolution declares Georgia to be a victim of state capture and reiterates calls for new, internationally monitored parliamentary elections. Until such elections are held, the EP says it will not recognize the legitimacy of the current one-party parliament and president. MEPs are also urging the EU and its member states to impose targeted sanctions on key officials responsible for the country’s democratic decline.

In addition, the EP calls for an immediate audit of the EU’s policies toward Georgia and a review of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, given the deteriorating political climate.

Emphasizing solidarity with the Georgian people and their pro-European aspirations, MEPs warn that upcoming municipal elections will not reflect the democratic will unless political prisoners are released and electoral conditions are significantly improved. The EP also expresses grave concern over restrictions on media freedom and threats against civil society and the political opposition.

Rapporteur Rasa Juknevičienė (EPP, Lithuania) delivered a stark assessment:

“Sadly, we could not assess any progress by Georgia. From once being a democratic leader in the Eastern Partnership, it has become a brutal dictatorship. Since this report was adopted in committee, the situation has worsened—most opposition leaders are jailed, independent media is collapsing, and civil society is under siege. Georgia is a tragic example of state capture by Russian interests without a single shot being fired. But the people of Georgia have not given up—they’ve been protesting for over 200 days despite violent repression. The EU must act before it’s too late.”

The European Parliament insists that Georgia must return to a democratic trajectory and restore its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.