The European Union does not recognize the constitutional and legal framework, including recent amendments made to it, under which the so-called presidential elections were held on September 18, 2026, in the occupied breakaway region of South Ossetia in Georgia. Their results are null and void and have no legal standing. This was stated in a dedicated statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU regarding the election of the de facto president of the Tskhinvali region.
“The European Union strongly condemns Moscow’s actions aimed at appointing a Russian official as the de facto president of the occupied breakaway region of South Ossetia in Georgia, deplores the signing on May 9, 2026, of the so-called treaty ‘On Deepening Allied Interaction,’ and firmly condemns Russia’s continued attempts to consolidate control by integrating South Ossetia into the political, military, economic, and judicial spheres of Russia. These measures run counter to the peaceful settlement of the conflict and represent steps toward the future illegal annexation of the occupied breakaway region by Russia. Such actions systematically entrench division, endanger regional security and stability, and constitute a flagrant violation of international law.
The European Union reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Georgia, including through its co-chairmanship of the Geneva International Discussions and the activities of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia. The European Union calls on Russia to respect the sovereignty of Georgia and cease all actions that undermine the territorial integrity of the Georgian state,” the statement reads.
Brussels added that the EU reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders.
