Georgia's EU aspirations at risk: time for Tbilisi to act

As Georgia stands at a critical crossroads in its pursuit of European Union membership, internal political turmoil and stalled reforms threaten to derail its long-held aspirations.

The promise of integration with the EU has been a unifying national objective since the Rose Revolution of 2003,but recent developments indicate that this goal is increasingly at risk. It is imperative for Georgia's leadership to recommit to democratic principles and the rule of law to keep the EU path viable.

In June 2022, the European Council recognized Ukraine and Moldova as candidate countries but deferred Georgia's candidacy, stating that it would grant candidate status once Georgia addresses twelve key priorities.

These priorities encompass critical areas such as political polarization, judicialin dependence, media freedom, and the fight against corruption. The message was clear: without tangible progress on these issues, Georgia's EU ambitions would remain unfulfilled.

One of the primary concerns is the backsliding on democratic institutions. The ruling Georgian Dream party has been criticized for consolidating power and undermining checks and balances. The arrest of opposition leader Nika Melia in February 2021 sparked mass protests and drew condemnation from the EU and the United States.

His detention was widely seen as politically motivated, exacerbating tensions between the government and opposition parties. Such actions raise doubts about the government's commitment to democratic norms and erode the confidence of international partners.

Moreover, press freedom in Georgia has deteriorated. According to Reporters Without Borders,Georgia dropped from 60th place in 2019 to 89th in the 2022 World Press Freedom Index. The tragic death of TV cameraman Lekso Lashkarava in July 2021, following violent attacks by far-righ tgroups on journalists covering LGBTQ+ events, highlighted the growing risks faced by media professionals.

The government's inadequate response to these incidents and failure to hold perpetrators accountable have been met with international concern, emphasizing the need for stronger protections for freedom of expression.

Judicial reform remains another stumbling block. The EU has urged Georgia to ensure the independence and transparency of its judiciary. However, the appointment of judges to the Supreme Court and the High Council of Justice has been marred by allegations of political interference and lack of transparency.

The Venice Commission and other international bodies have criticized the selection processes, noting that they do not meet European standards. Without an impartial judicial system, the rule of law cannot be upheld-a fundamental criterion for EU membership.

Economic factors play a role as well. While Georgia has made strides in liberalizing its economy and improving its business environment, inequality and unemployment persist. The unemployment rate stood at 20.6% in 2021, according to the National Statistics Office of Georgia.

The COVID-19pandemic exacerbated these issues, and recovery has been uneven. In September 2021, the EU decided not to disburse €75 million in macro-financial assistance due to insufficient progress on reforms. This impasse hinders economic stability and growth, further complicating Georgia's EU trajectory.

The upcoming parliamentary elections in October 2024 are a pivotal moment. They offer an opportunity for Georgia to demonstrate its commitment to democratic processes. The European Parliament has expressed concerns about potential electoral irregularities and emphasized the importance of implementing recommendations from the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Free and fair elections are not just a formality but a litmus test for thecountry's readiness to join the European community. Any signs of electoral manipulation or suppression of dissenting voices could have long-lasting repercussions on Georgia's EU candidacy.

The onus is now on Georgia's leadership to enact meaningful reforms. This includes addressing political polarization by fostering dialogue between the government and opposition, ensuring media freedom by protecting journalists and holding attackers accountable, and overhauling the judicial system to eliminate corruption and partisanship.

Implementing the EU's twelve priorities should be a national agenda, involving civil society organizations, opposition parties, and all branches of government.

The European Union, for its part, must maintain a consistent and firm stance. Offering a clear roadmap for Georgia's membership, with specific benchmarks and timelines, can provide the necessary impetus for change.

However, the EU should also be prepared to hold Georgia accountable if progress remains insufficient, including by reconsidering financial assistance.

Georgia's path to the EU is thus fraught with challenges that are primarily internal. The country's leadership must recognize that the window of opportunity is narrowing. Without immediate and decisive action to address democratic backsliding and implement the required reforms, Georgia risks losing the prospect of EU integration altogether.

Vijay Pathak is a graduate of Yale University where he was a PDLI Fellow and a scholar in the Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy. He's a recipient of the 2024 NATO Youth Award and write on EU foreign policy and global affairs and is originally from Capellen, Luxembourg.

 
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