Lelo’s Gegelia: EU report concludes that Georgia has no democracy or freedom left, and its path to European integration is effectively dead

“The EU report virtually states, in open and formal terms, that Georgia has no democracy or freedom left, and that the path to European integration is effectively dead,” stated Grigol Gegelia, a member of Strong Georgia-Lelo.

According to him, the EU report declares that Georgian democracy has been destroyed.

“We are no longer merely in a phase of pseudo-authoritarianism; we have transitioned into a full-blown dictatorship. Nor are we in a phase of pretended European integration, as we have moved into a state of total paralysis, where, owing to the regime’s course against the nation’s choice, the path of European integration has been brought to a complete standstill. As long as this course remains, and until this regime is changed, there will be no European integration- not this year, not next year, not in 2030, nor ever, so long as this regime rules Georgia; no European path will exist.

This report establishes two core facts: first, that Georgian democracy has been destroyed; and second, that Georgia’s path to European integration has been completely halted. Consequently, the onus is now on us, on the Georgian people and on our firm, dignified, and principled steps, to liberate this country from the Russian plague and restore our national and European ideals,” Gegelia stated.

For context, the European Union has published its 2025 Human Rights and Democracy in the World report, which includes a section on Georgia.