17 EU countries and Western allies urge Georgia to reverse 'democratic backsliding'

The Foreign Ministers of 17 European countries — including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Nordic and Baltic states — along with the High Representative of the European Union, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the ongoing political repression and democratic backsliding in Georgia.

The statement, released by the British Embassy in Georgia on July 11, condemns the recent imprisonment and detention of opposition leaders, describing the arrests as politically motivated and clearly designed to silence dissent just months ahead of local elections. The ministers accuse the Georgian government of targeting civil society, peaceful protesters, and independent media, warning that such actions are rapidly dismantling democracy and steering the country toward authoritarianism.

"Recent legislative changes aim at stifling independent civil society and legitimate protest," the joint statement reads. It further highlights a "considerable downgrading" in relations with Georgia, including cuts in assistance and cooperation, in response to the government’s actions.

The Western officials issued a stark warning: if the Georgian authorities continue on this anti-democratic path, their countries are prepared to employ “a range of unilateral and multilateral tools” to hold the government accountable.

However, the statement also left room for hope. “It is not too late to reverse course,” the ministers said, calling on the Georgian government to immediately release detained opposition figures, activists, and journalists, repeal repressive legislation, and initiate a national dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve the crisis.