Why the EU and US Should Care About Georgia’s Growing Crisis

Threats to Regional Stability

We, Georgians, have always served as a cornerstone of regional security, standing as a buffer against Russian aggression in the South Caucasus. However, our government’s increasing authoritarianism and alignment with Moscow put this stability at risk.

The 2008 Russian invasion left 20% of our territory, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, under occupation. These regions have since become platforms for further destabilization. When our government moves closer to Moscow, it compromises not only our sovereignty but also the broader regional security framework that both the EU and US rely on to counter Russian influence.

The EU’s Eastern Partnership program has invested heavily in fostering stability and democratic reforms in our country. If our government continues to undermine democracy, it weakens the credibility of these efforts and sends a dangerous message to other countries in the region, such as Ukraine and Moldova.

We have been a key ally to the US in countering Russian influence. Our participation in NATO missions, such as in Afghanistan, and joint military exercises like Noble Partner have demonstrated our commitment. But a less democratic Georgia jeopardizes this partnership and undermines US security objectives in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Economic Disruption

Georgia plays a critical role in the EU’s energy diversification strategy, particularly through the Southern Gas Corridor. Political instability and poor governance in our country threaten these vital initiatives.

Disruptions to the Southern Gas Corridor, which passes through our territory, could leave Europe more reliant on Russian energy supplies. This became evident during the protests against the Namakhvani Hydropower Project, which highlighted how domestic instability can impact large infrastructure projects.

Our location makes us an essential link in the Trans-Caspian trade route, connecting Europe to Asia. Instability in Georgia threatens this corridor, undermining EU efforts to create secure and diversified supply chains.

American companies that have historically invested in Georgia are now hesitant. For instance, the delayed Anaklia Deep Sea Port project, meant to be a key transit hub, demonstrates how political uncertainty discourages foreign investment and weakens our potential as a regional logistics hub.

A Setback for Democracy Promotion

For years, we Georgians were seen as a success story for democratic reforms in the post-Soviet region. Unfortunately, our government’s recent actions are eroding this progress and undermining the democratic aspirations of our people.

The EU and US have held up Georgia as a model for democratic reform in the region. However, actions like the violent crackdown on protests against the controversial "foreign agent" law makes it harder for the West to promote democracy in neighboring countries like Ukraine and Moldova.

By moving away from democracy, our government gives credibility to Russian and other authoritarian powers, who argue that Western-style democracy is unsustainable in post-Soviet states. The occupation narratives in Abkhazia and South Ossetia are already being used to discredit Georgia’s progress.

Our Demands for Change

As Georgians, we refuse to accept the current trajectory. We demand action that reflects the aspirations of our people for democracy, prosperity, and international cooperation:

Our government must prioritize reforms to align with EU standards and restart accession talks. Judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, and media freedoms must take precedence.

We demand free and fair elections, respect for civil liberties, and an end to authoritarian governance.

The government must demonstrate that Georgia remains a reliable partner by countering Russian influence and fully committing to shared democratic values with the EU and US.

Why the EU and US Should Care

Our struggles as Georgians are not just ours - they impact the EU and US:

For the EU, a weaker and more unstable Georgia means greater vulnerability to Russian aggression, disruptions in critical energy and trade routes, and diminished credibility in supporting democratic reforms in Eastern Europe.

For the US, losing Georgia as a strong partner in the region weakens its ability to counter Russian and Chinese influence. It also sets back global democracy promotion efforts, making authoritarianism appear inevitable in post-Soviet states.

Sanctions

Sanctions against political figures responsible for democratic and authoritarian practices in Georgia are crucial for several reasons. First, they hold individuals accountable without punishing the broader population. Targeted sanctions - such as asset freezes, travel bans, or restrictions on international dealings - can directly impact those undermining democracy while protecting ordinary citizens from economic fallout.

By taking action against corrupt officials, election manipulators, and those enabling human rights violations, the EU and US can send a strong message that democracy and human rights are non-negotiable. Such measures can also deter other leaders in the region from following a similar path, reinforcing the credibility of Western values and commitments.

Sanctions should focus on individuals within the government and ruling party who are directly responsible for suppressing protests, silencing independent media, or aligning Georgia with Moscow’s influence. This approach not only pressures those in power but also empowers pro-democracy forces within Georgia, demonstrating that the international community supports their fight for justice and democratic reform.

We, the Georgian people, remain committed to the ideals of democracy and international cooperation. However, our government’s actions are harming not only us but also our allies who have stood by us for decades.