Georgian civil society, including human rights defenders, operates in a repressive and constantly deteriorating environment, according to the European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Report on Georgia.
According to the document, civil society’s role as an institution of democratic oversight has been compromised, with relevant organizations and human rights defenders facing growing threats.
“The cumulative effect of a frequently changing repressive legal framework and intimidation practices jeopardizes the very survival of independent civil society and leads to a further shrinking of civic space.”
The document notes that the use of criminal legislation against representatives of the civil sector also raises serious concerns. In particular, it cites investigations under charges such as “sabotage,” “assisting foreign organizations in hostile activities,” “financing activities directed against the constitutional order,” and “damaging state interests.”
“These actions are coercive in nature and ultimately contradict the principles of democratic pluralism. They are incompatible with the process of integration into the European Union.”
The report also points out that:
- Georgia’s EU integration process remains suspended;
- during the reporting period, the Georgian authorities took no steps to fulfill the nine conditions outlined in the European Commission’s recommendations;
- the situation has deteriorated further.
Due to the ongoing democratic backsliding, the European Commission will no longer make new recommendations on accession negotiation chapters, except in the areas of fundamental reforms.
According to the European Commission, Georgia has fulfilled virtually none of the recommendations presented in the previous report under the visa suspension mechanism.
EU Ambassador to Tbilisi Paweł Herczyński officially handed the Enlargement Report to Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos commented on the document, stating that Georgia’s EU accession process is “de facto suspended” and will resume only if the authorities change course.
“The situation has deteriorated further: there is serious democratic backsliding, a rapid erosion of the rule of law, and a curtailment of fundamental rights,” Commissioner Kos stated in Brussels on November 4.
The Commissioner emphasized, however, that the European path remains open if Georgia’s authorities recommit to democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.
“Our support for the European aspirations of the Georgian people remains steadfast,” she stressed.