Georgia’s relationship with the European Union (EU) could deteriorate, potentially leading to sanctions, if the country strays from democratic principles, warned Pawel Herczynski, the EU ambassador to Tbilisi, on Friday.
As Georgia prepares for parliamentary elections on October 26, Herczynski highlighted the EU’s readiness to engage with any democratically elected government, but he made it clear that a shift towards a “one-party state” with no political opposition would jeopardise the country’s EU membership aspirations.
The ambassador indicated that the introduction of sanctions could be on the table if the elections do not proceed smoothly. “For the moment, there is a possibility of the introduction of sanctions in the future in case things would really go wrong with the elections,” he stated during a press conference in Tbilisi.
Last year, the EU granted candidate status to Georgia, marking a significant step towards potential membership. However, relations have significantly deteriorated since the ruling Georgian Dream party enacted a controversial “foreign agent” law in May. Critics argue that the law signals a shift away from Western alignment and closer ties to Russia.
Herczynski pointed out that EU representatives have not met with the Georgian government since June due to what he termed its “unfriendly” stance towards the EU. This suspension of dialogue followed discussions among EU member states about how to respond to the “anti-Western and anti-European narratives” promoted by the Georgian government.
In addition to potential sanctions, Herczynski previously mentioned that the EU might consider temporarily suspending its visa-free travel arrangement with Georgia if the upcoming elections are deemed not to be free, fair, and peaceful.
The country, with a population of around 3 million, has been engulfed in political turmoil this year over the foreign agent law, which mandates that organisations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad register as “agents of foreign influence.” The Georgian Dream party defends this legislation as a safeguard for the country’s sovereignty, while opponents condemn it as authoritarian and reminiscent of Russian policies.
Widespread protests against the law ensued, marking some of the largest demonstrations in Georgia since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite the fervent opposition, the law was passed, souring relations with both Brussels and Washington.
Georgia’s EU accession process effectively came to a standstill over the summer, and recently, the United States rescinded an invitation to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze to attend a reception hosted by President Joe Biden during the U.N. General Assembly.
As the elections approach, Georgia stands at a crossroads, facing critical decisions that will not only shape its democratic future but also determine its standing with the EU and the West.
Melissa Enoch
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