The European Commission (EC) published its EU Enlargement Report on candidate countries, including Georgia.

The EC also released a press release, which states that following the 2024 European Council opinion, Georgia’s EU integration process has been halted and the situation in Georgia worsened.

According to the press release, the EU calls on the Georgian government to reverse its political vector and return to the EU accession path.

“In 2024, the European Council concluded that Georgia’s EU accession process was de facto halted. Since then, the situation has sharply deteriorated, with serious democratic backsliding marked by a rapid erosion of the rule of law and severe restrictions on fundamental rights. This includes legislation severely limiting civic space, undermining freedom of expression and assembly, and violating the principle of non-discrimination. Georgian authorities need to urgently reverse their democratic backsliding and undertake comprehensive and tangible efforts to address outstanding concerns and key reforms supported by cross-party cooperation and civic engagement, in line with EU values. Following the December 2024 European Council Conclusions and in light of Georgia’s continued backsliding, the Commission considers Georgia a candidate country in name only. The Georgian authorities must demonstrate resolute commitment to reverse course and return to the EU accession path,” reads the press release.

In addition, the press release assesses the EU enlargement process in general.

“Today, the European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package, presenting a comprehensive assessment of the progress made by the enlargement partners over the past twelve months. This year’s package reaffirms that the momentum for enlargement stands high on the priority agenda of the EU. It also confirms that the accession of new Member States is increasingly within reach,” it reads.

According to the EC, the advancements benefit both aspiring member states and current EU member states, fostering prosperity, democracy, security and stability while unlocking new opportunities for citizens and businesses, such as strategic investments and opening of the single market.