EU Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński said that Georgia has shown “very serious backsliding” on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, calling it “completely incompatible” with EU membership aspirations. Speaking in Tbilisi, he urged the government to “reverse the course” and return to the EU integration track, stressing that European institutions have downgraded contact with Georgian authorities due to undemocratic legislation.

Responding to criticism of the European Commission’s enlargement report, Herczyński emphasized that it is the only comprehensive assessment based on extensive consultations with Georgian authorities, civil society, and EU institutions. He called the report’s findings “devastating for Georgia” and said Brussels is ready to re-engage — but only if the Georgian government shows genuine commitment to democratic reforms.