Georgian Dream has shown a strong commitment to the stability of the democratic process, it is important that the international community supports this effort, reads the article, published by the Governance and applied economics Spanish Institute.

“Georgia’s political stability is a crucial factor not only for the security and development of the Caucasus region, but also for the European Union (EU). In an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, the consolidation of democracy in Georgia, a country strategically located between Europe and Asia, has become an issue of utmost importance. With the Georgian Dream government at the helm, the country has taken significant steps towards its integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, committing to stability and democratic values, which are fundamental for both Georgia and the EU.

The Georgian Dream government has worked to ensure that the country remains a bastion of stability in a region marked by conflict and external influences. In a context where external actors, such as Russia, seek to exert their destabilizing influence, Georgia has proven to be a reliable ally for Europe. Its role as a strategic partner in regional security initiatives and its alignment with European values underscore Georgian Dream’s commitment to peace and stability.

A key example of the success of the current government’s policies is the implementation of institutional reforms that have strengthened the country’s democratic structures. Strengthening the judicial system, promoting transparency in public administration, and improving human rights are some of the areas where Georgia has shown notable progress. These actions not only consolidate Georgian democracy, but also reinforce its role as a key partner in the stability of the Caucasus and beyond.

For the EU, stability in its immediate neighbourhood is an essential component of its security policy. The Caucasus, with its proximity to European borders and its strategic importance in terms of energy resources and transport corridors, represents an area of special attention. Georgia, as one of the most progressive countries in the region, plays a vital role in ensuring long-term stability. Georgia’s gradual integration into the EU is not only a sign of democratic success, but also strengthens the collective security of the region and Europe.

Security cooperation has been one of the pillars of EU-Georgia relations. Since the signing of the Association Agreement in 2014, the country has increased its participation in EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations, underlining its commitment to European security. In addition, coordination on cybersecurity and counter-terrorism issues further strengthens this strategic partnership. These initiatives underline that Georgia’s stability is intrinsically relevant to EU security.

Georgia’s European vocation is clear. Since the establishment of its independence, the country has aspired to integrate into European institutions. In this regard, the Georgian Dream government has been a key player in advancing the integration process. The achievements in terms of economic and political convergence with EU standards are undeniable. Among them, the visa liberalization, achieved in 2017 under the leadership of Georgian Dream, which has allowed Georgian citizens to travel visa-free to the countries of the Schengen area. This measure has strengthened ties between Georgia and the EU, promoting cultural, economic and social exchange.

In addition, the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) has allowed Georgia to access the EU single market, boosting economic growth and promoting the modernisation of its infrastructure.

A crucial milestone in this process was the granting of candidate country status to Georgia in 2023, which marked a formal recognition of the country’s efforts to align itself with European values and standards. This status consolidates Georgia’s position in Europe and opens the door to future formal accession talks.

It is crucial that the EU continues to support this progress and begins accession negotiations, which would provide a clear roadmap for Georgia’s future in the EU. This would not only strengthen the stability of the Caucasus region, but also reaffirm Europe’s commitment to democratic values and regional security.

On 26 October, Georgia will hold parliamentary elections, which will undoubtedly be a crucial moment for its political future. These elections take place against a backdrop of growing spurious criticism, much of it fuelled by ideological interests, which could be exploited by external actors, such as Russia, to destabilise the country and undermine its democratic and European aspirations.

It is in this context that the EU must play a responsible role. Promoting political stability in Georgia and supporting a free electoral process while avoiding potential irresponsible interference not only reinforces Europe’s commitment to democracy, but also reduces opportunities for external actors to interfere in the region. Georgian Dream has demonstrated a strong commitment to the stability and integrity of the democratic process, and it is essential that the international community supports these efforts to ensure that the elections take place in a climate of peace, transparency and freedom where the sovereign people can express themselves without external interference.

Georgia’s political stability is vital for the security of the Caucasus and, therefore, of the EU. The Georgian Dream government has shown a strong commitment to democratic values and European integration, being a reliable partner in the region. At this crucial moment, opening accession talks would not only represent a recognition of the country’s achievements, but would also send a clear message about the EU’s commitment to stability and democracy in its neighbourhood.

Supporting Georgia on its path to EU membership is not only an investment in the future of the region, but also in the collective security of Europe – to do otherwise would be irresponsible”, - reads the article.