EU to Hold January Review of New Georgia Measures Amid Democratic Backsliding Concerns

European foreign ministers are set to convene a “deep dive” in January to consider new measures against Georgia, as the EU seeks to halt further democratic backsliding in Tbilisi, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced on Wednesday.

The comments follow the European Commission’s release of its annual progress reports on candidate countries. The report on Georgia cites continued democratic backsliding, including new curbs on civil society and a decline in fundamental rights.

“The Georgian government is currently on a collision course with the European Union over democratic backsliding,” Kallas said at the press conference presenting the reports. “That is very clear. The steps being taken are not moving in the right direction.”

When asked by Euronews whether she would propose new sanctions against the Georgian government, Kallas said it was too early to say, explaining that the January discussion is intended to bridge differing viewpoints.

“Our priority is to shape a response that clearly signals our support for the Georgian people and their aspiration to join the European Union, while delivering an unambiguous message to the government that we do not endorse these policies,” the EU foreign policy chief said.

In 2024, the EU’s diplomatic service proposed sanctions against officials responsible for violently suppressing peaceful protests, but Hungary and Slovakia blocked the initiative. Since then, Viktor Orbán has been removed from power in Budapest, and the new Hungarian administration has substantially changed its stance on sanctions against Russia.

Brussels did, however, suspend visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports—a measure requiring only a qualified majority, unlike sanctions, which demand unanimity.

The restriction came into effect in March 2026 for a period of one year. It may be extended by up to two additional years, though the Commission would need to adopt a secondary legal act no later than 6 January 2027.

In November 2024, Tbilisi unilaterally announced it would not seek to open accession negotiations before the end of 2028, following a Commission report that identified serious democratic backsliding across areas ranging from the judiciary to media freedom.

Speaking at the Euronews EU Enlargement Summit on Tuesday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said he remained “very committed” to the country’s EU accession path, though he offered no plan to mend relations with Brussels.

“At the moment, everything is on the table,” Kallas said.

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