The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted the Porto Declaration and several resolutions during its Thursday plenary session, including a strong rebuke of Georgia’s recent democratic backsliding.

In its resolution on “Supporting Democracy and OSCE Values in Georgia,” the Assembly expressed deep concern over the conduct of Georgia’s October 26, 2024 parliamentary elections, citing numerous irregularities identified by the OSCE’s election observation mission. It condemned the misuse of administrative resources and procedural violations that, according to the resolution, cast doubt on the legitimacy of the results.

The Assembly further condemned:

• Disproportionate use of force against peaceful pro-European protesters

• Politically motivated arrests of journalists, activists, and opposition figures

• New laws targeting media, NGOs, and foreign funding, seen as tools for power consolidation

The resolution warned of a growing drift from European integration, rising anti-EU rhetoric, and closer ties with Russia and China, which it deemed incompatible with Georgia’s stated European aspirations.

The Assembly called on Georgian authorities to:

• De-escalate tensions and engage in national dialogue

• Respect freedom of assembly and expression

• Recommit to EU integration

It reaffirmed support for the pro-European will of the Georgian people and Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, again urging Russia to reverse its recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, withdraw forces, and uphold the 2008 EU-mediated ceasefire agreement.