Estonia’s Eerik-Niiles Kross: While we talk about non-functioning of Georgian democratic institutions, we should ask whether democratic institutions of CoE are functioning

“Today we are discussing the functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia, but frankly, the title should refer to the non-functioning of democratic institutions, because that is where we find ourselves,” said Eerik-Niiles Kross, representative member of the Riigikogu, Estonian Reform Party, during the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

At the Council of Europe meeting where the report prepared by the Committee for Monitoring the Commitments Assumed by the Member States of the Council of Europe and their Implementation on the Functioning of Democratic Institutions in Georgia is reviewed, Eerik-Niiles Kross stated that since June 2024, this Assembly had adopted five resolutions on Georgia, and the June 24 meeting was looking at number six.

“Before I speak about the report, there is one thing that I think must be said—and should be said—every time a European politician discusses Georgia, and it is this: Elene Khoshtaria and all other political prisoners of the Georgian regime must be released immediately. Their release must be a precondition for any dialogue, any cooperation, and any European engagement with Georgia.

Today, we are discussing the functioning of democratic institutions in Georgia, but frankly, the title should refer to the non-functioning of democratic institutions, because that is where we find ourselves. Since June 2024, this Assembly has adopted five resolutions on Georgia, and today we are looking at number six. Yet, Georgia has done literally nothing to meet the Assembly’s calls. In fact, it has moved in the opposite direction, as we have just heard.

Yet, Georgia has done literally nothing to meet the Assembly’s calls. In fact, it has moved in the opposite direction, as we have just heard. What have we repeatedly demanded? Repeal the foreign influence law; withdraw the Foreign Agent Registration Act; repeal the so-called Family Values Law; reform the Administrative Offences Code; stop police brutality and torture; release political prisoners; end retaliatory proceedings against protesters; restore conditions for genuine, democratic parliamentary elections; reverse electoral code changes that undermine impartiality and pluralism; guarantee civil society and media freedom; stop the intimidation of civil servants and civil society; do not ban opposition parties; and finally, resume full cooperation with the Council of Europe, PACE monitoring, and the Venice Commission. None of this has happened. The situation has only worsened. Therefore, my point today is not only about Georgia; it is about the Council of Europe itself,” he said.

According to him, Georgia refuses to fulfil its obligation to send a delegation to the Assembly.

“Georgia refuses to fulfil its obligation to send a delegation to this Assembly. It demands that we remove the conditions we set for ratifying its credentials. In essence, it is trying to blackmail this Assembly, and so far, we are actually allowing it to do so. While we talk about the non-functioning of Georgian democratic institutions, we should also ask whether the democratic institutions of the Council of Europe are functioning. In October 2025, this Assembly called on Council of Europe bodies to use all available means, including Article 52 of the Convention.

In practice, this means the Secretary General can and should ask Georgia to explain in writing how its laws comply with the Convention. Just recently, on June 17, the European Parliament fully endorsed this call and again urged Council of Europe member states to implement it. The irony is that we ourselves have not implemented it. I asked the Secretary General on Monday why this was the case, and I did not receive a real answer. Today, in this resolution, we repeat that call, and I sincerely hope that this time we will be heard. If our own organisation does not listen to this Assembly, why should anyone else, including Georgia?” he said.