The European Parliament has delivered a stark message to two long-standing EU candidate countries: without meaningful democratic reforms, neither Georgia nor Türkiye can expect progress on their path towards membership of the European Union.
The warning reflects growing frustration in Brussels over what lawmakers describe as persistent democratic shortcomings and a widening gap between accession ambitions and political reality.
In a resolution adopted in Strasbourg, MEPs argued that both countries remain far from meeting the political criteria required for accession, despite their strategic importance and longstanding relationships with the bloc. The vote comes at a pivotal moment for EU enlargement, with countries such as Ukraine, Moldova and several Western Balkan states pressing ahead with reforms in pursuit of membership.
For Georgia, the criticism is particularly striking given the country’s overwhelming public support for joining the European Union. The nation was granted candidate status in late 2023, but relations with Brussels have deteriorated sharply since then. European institutions have repeatedly raised concerns over democratic backsliding, restrictions on civil society, media freedoms and the rule of law.
The European Commission‘s most recent assessments have painted a bleak picture, suggesting that Georgia’s accession process has effectively stalled. Brussels has expressed concern over legislation viewed as limiting civic freedoms and over decisions by the Georgian government that appear to have distanced the country from the reforms expected of candidate states. The European Council has also criticised Tbilisi’s decision to suspend accession negotiations until 2028, although it continues to stress its support for the Georgian people’s European aspirations.
The Parliament’s stance reflects a broader view within the EU that enlargement must remain merit-based. While geopolitical considerations have gained importance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, lawmakers insist that membership cannot be granted without adherence to democratic norms and fundamental rights.
Türkiye faces a similarly difficult outlook. Although it remains an official candidate country and an important partner on migration, security, trade and regional stability, accession negotiations have effectively been frozen for years. MEPs argue that Ankara has failed to address longstanding concerns over judicial independence, civil liberties and democratic governance.
The European Parliament has repeatedly concluded that Türkiye’s accession process cannot be revived under current conditions. Lawmakers acknowledge the country’s strategic significance, particularly amid heightened security challenges across Europe and the Middle East, but insist that geopolitical importance cannot substitute for compliance with EU membership criteria.
This position underscores a recurring dilemma for Brussels. The EU increasingly relies on cooperation with Türkiye in areas ranging from migration management to defence and energy security. Yet European institutions remain unwilling to overlook what they regard as democratic deficiencies in exchange for closer political ties.
The Parliament’s message to both countries is clear: the door to membership remains open, but only for governments prepared to undertake substantial reforms. As the EU accelerates enlargement efforts elsewhere, Georgia and Türkiye risk finding themselves left behind unless they can convince Brussels that democratic standards, judicial independence and fundamental freedoms are once again moving in the right direction.
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