EU Sets 2030 as Target for New Members, Criticises Georgia’s Democratic Backsliding

Brussels: The European Commission has announced its ambition to welcome new members into the European Union by 2030, highlighting Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, and Moldova for their commendable progress on necessary reforms for joining the bloc.

According to TRTworld.com, the Commission expressed disappointment in Serbia for its slowdown in the reform process and issued strong criticism of Georgia, accusing the former Soviet republic of “serious democratic backsliding.” Georgia was described as a candidate country “in name only,” with the EU concerned about its undermining of the rule of law and the imposition of “severe restrictions on fundamental rights.”

The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, emphasized the strategic importance of expanding the Union, affirming that it aligns with the EU’s best interests. During a press briefing in Brussels, Kallas presented the Commission’s annual report on the progress of potential EU members.

Ukraine, despite its ongoing conflict with Russia and facing obstacles from Hungary in its membership negotiations, has shown determination in its EU aspirations. Kallas praised Ukraine’s commitment to reforms, particularly in anti-corruption, and stressed the importance of maintaining this momentum to avoid backsliding. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed optimism, urging the EU to eliminate obstacles for a united Europe, though he acknowledged that Ukraine joining the EU before 2030 remains unlikely given the extensive reforms required.

The European Commission’s report also called for Ukraine to advance in the rule of law, noting concerns over July’s measures to increase control by Ukraine’s prosecutor general over anti-corruption bodies. Although Ukraine’s leadership reversed these measures following protests, the incident raised alarms among Ukraine’s international partners.

Georgia received the harshest critique, with the Commission condemning its government’s actions as detrimental to the rule of law and fundamental rights. The Commission viewed Georgia’s EU candidacy as nominal due to its continued regression on key democratic principles. Criticism was also directed at the ruling Georgian Dream party for its authoritarian tendencies and pro-Russia stance, which led to stalled EU accession talks. Recent moves by Georgia’s parliament to ban major opposition parties further intensified the EU’s concerns, though the EU has dismissed allegations of meddling in Georgian affairs.