The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has issued a stern warning regarding Georgia’s membership in the organization. Citing concerns over Georgia’s “authoritarian course,” PACE delegates are threatening to push for the country’s expulsion from the Council of Europe (CoE). This development raises serious questions about Georgia’s commitment to democratic principles and its adherence to the CoE’s core values.
The potential expulsion stems from accusations of democratic backsliding, repression, and disengagement from its obligations as a member state. This article delves into the details of PACE’s warning, exploring the specific concerns raised by the delegates, the implications for Georgia, and the broader context of the country’s relationship with the Council of Europe.
We will examine the key issues that have led to this critical juncture, including allegations of political prisoners, restrictions on freedom of expression, and the silencing of civil society. Understanding these factors is crucial to grasping the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences for Georgia’s future.
PACE Delegates Voice Concerns Over Georgia’s Authoritarian Drift
A group of 51 PACE members issued a joint statement on August 19, 2025, expressing their alarm over Georgia’s “authoritarian backsliding.” They argue that the country’s actions violate its obligations as a Council of Europe member and threaten the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law. The delegates specifically pointed to a “path of repression and disengagement” as evidence of Georgia’s concerning trajectory.
The statement explicitly warns that if Georgia fails to reverse its current course, the delegates will challenge the credentials of the Georgian delegation on substantive grounds. Furthermore, they will call for the Assembly and the Committee of Ministers to initiate the expulsion process, citing serious violations of Article 3 of the Council of Europe’s Statute, which outlines the organization’s basic principles.
This is not the first time PACE has raised concerns about Georgia’s democratic credentials. Earlier in 2025, the Assembly conditionally ratified the Georgian delegation’s credentials, requiring the country to release “political prisoners” and hold new parliamentary elections. However, according to the recent statement, the situation has only worsened since then.
Specific Allegations of Democratic Backsliding in Georgia
PACE delegates have highlighted several specific instances of alleged democratic backsliding in Georgia. These include the imprisonment of opposition leaders and the criminal prosecution of activists and journalists. The delegates contend that these actions are “politically motivated” and represent a deliberate attempt to stifle dissent and suppress freedom of expression.
The delegates argue that these are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a “sustained campaign to eliminate democratic opposition, restrict freedom of expression, and silence civil society.” This characterization paints a grim picture of the state of democracy in Georgia and raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to upholding fundamental rights and freedoms.
The statement also notes that the Georgian delegation “has unilaterally withdrawn from the Assembly” after conditions were imposed on its credentials. This action has further fueled concerns about Georgia’s willingness to engage constructively with the Council of Europe and address the issues raised by PACE.
Georgia’s Response and Cooperation with the Council of Europe
Following the conditional ratification of the Georgian delegation’s credentials, Tea Tsulukiani, the head of the delegation, announced Georgia’s suspension of work in the Assembly on January 29, 2025. This decision was met with criticism from PACE President Theodoros Rousopoulos, who emphasized that participation in the Assembly is an obligation, not a choice, once credentials have been ratified.
Georgia has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1999, and its potential expulsion would be a significant blow to the country’s international standing and its relationship with Europe. The Council of Europe plays a crucial role in promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across the continent, and its membership is seen as a symbol of commitment to these values.
It remains to be seen how Georgia will respond to PACE’s warning and whether it will take concrete steps to address the concerns raised by the delegates. The future of Georgia’s membership in the Council of Europe hangs in the balance, and the coming months will be critical in determining whether the country can regain the trust and confidence of the international community.
Implications of Potential Expulsion from the Council of Europe
Expulsion from the Council of Europe would have far-reaching consequences for Georgia. It would not only damage the country’s reputation on the international stage but also potentially jeopardize its access to various forms of assistance and cooperation provided by the CoE. Furthermore, it could send a negative signal to investors and businesses, hindering economic development and foreign investment.
The expulsion process itself is complex and requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the Parliamentary Assembly and the Committee of Ministers. If Georgia were to be expelled, it would be only the second country in the Council of Europe’s history to face such a fate, following Greece in 1969 during the military junta.
The potential expulsion highlights the importance of upholding democratic principles and adhering to international obligations. It serves as a reminder that membership in international organizations comes with responsibilities and that countries must be held accountable for their actions.
The Critical Role of Democracy in Maintaining International Relations
This situation underscores the vital role that democracy plays in maintaining stable and productive international relations. A nation’s commitment to democratic values is often a key factor in its ability to engage effectively with other countries and international organizations. When a country is perceived as backsliding on democracy, it can erode trust and undermine its relationships with its allies and partners.
The Council of Europe, in particular, places a high premium on democratic governance, human rights, and the rule of law. These principles are enshrined in the organization’s Statute and serve as the foundation for its work. Countries that fail to uphold these principles risk facing consequences, including suspension or expulsion.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of democratic values in international relations will only continue to grow. Countries that prioritize democracy and human rights are more likely to be stable, prosperous, and reliable partners on the global stage.
Conclusion: Georgia’s Crossroads and the Future of its European Path
The warning from PACE delegates marks a critical juncture for Georgia. The country stands at a crossroads, with its future relationship with the Council of Europe, and potentially the broader European community, hanging in the balance. The allegations of democratic backsliding are serious and warrant immediate attention.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Georgia can address the concerns raised by PACE and demonstrate a genuine commitment to upholding democratic principles. If Georgia fails to do so, it risks facing expulsion from the Council of Europe, a move that would have significant consequences for its international standing and its future development.
Ultimately, the future of Georgia’s European path depends on its willingness to embrace democracy, respect human rights, and engage constructively with international organizations. The international community is watching closely, and the decisions made in the coming months will shape Georgia’s destiny for years to come.
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