Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed the European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Report, describing its critical assessments as unfounded and lacking factual evidence. Responding to journalists, he said the report had “zero severity” because none of its criticisms were supported by solid arguments.
Kobakhidze particularly criticised the Commission’s recommendations concerning judicial vetting and the release of detained individuals, arguing that they contradict the principles of judicial independence and the rule of law. He described suggestions regarding external involvement in appointing judges as “shameful” and accused European institutions of failing to understand democratic principles.
Regarding calls for the release of detainees, Kobakhidze claimed that those in question had participated in violent acts, including attacks on police officers and the use of Molotov cocktails. He also accused European institutions of supporting and financing efforts to destabilise Georgia, specifically referring to the European Endowment for Democracy.
According to the European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Report, Georgia’s EU integration process is de facto halted due to the erosion of democratic institutions, restrictions on civil society and media, undermining of judicial independence and anti-European rhetoric. The report states that Georgia formally retains its candidate status, while the EU continues to support the Georgian people's European aspirations and the country's territorial integrity. The Commission says progress towards EU integration can resume if democratic principles and the rule of law are restored.
