EU Foreign Ministers to Discuss Further Steps Regarding Georgia in January

European Union foreign ministers will gather in January to evaluate potential new measures targeting the Georgian government over concerns regarding democratic standards. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas announced the planned talks following the release of the European Commission's annual progress report on candidate countries.

The Commission's report stated that Georgia is experiencing a deterioration in fundamental rights and increased restrictions on civic space. Kallas said during a press conference presenting the document that the government in Tbilisi is on a collision course with the EU. She added that it was too early to specify whether new sanctions would be introduced, as the January meeting is intended to align positions among member states. Kallas stated: At the moment, everything is on the table.

The diplomatic service of the bloc previously proposed sanctioning Georgian officials following reports of violent responses to peaceful demonstrations in 2024. Those measures failed to achieve unanimity after Hungary and Slovakia blocked the proposal. Following political changes in Budapest, where Viktor Orbán was removed from office, the new Hungarian administration altered its stance regarding EU sanctions policies.

While targeted sanctions were stalled, the EU implemented a suspension of visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders in March 2026, a move requiring only a qualified majority vote. That restriction was enacted for a one-year duration and can be extended for up to two additional years if the Commission adopts secondary legislation by January 6, 2027. The broader integration process has remained stalled since November 2024, when the Georgian government announced it would not pursue accession talks prior to the end of 2028.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reiterated at an enlargement summit that his administration remains committed to joining the European Union. However, he did not outline specific steps to resolve the diplomatic impasse with Brussels. EU foreign ministers are scheduled to take up the issue during their formal meeting in January.

Written by Martina Kirchner martina.kirchner@alpineweekly.com