German Ambassador Warns Georgia is 'Off Track' for EU Membership
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Germany's Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, has warned that Georgia's path toward European Union membership is currently "off track," citing concerns over democratic standards, human rights, and political developments in the country. The comment was made during an interview with Radio Liberty.
Fischer said that under the current trajectory, neither Germany nor most other EU member states are actively working on enlargement. He added that the European Council, when it meets in December, is likely to confirm this assessment.
The ambassador emphasized that EU membership is always voluntary and no country is being pressured or forced to join. "Nobody is pressured. Nobody is blackmailed to join the EU. Countries are invited to join the EU," Fischer said.
He described the European Commission's November 4 report on Georgia as a "wake-up call" for citizens. According to Fischer, the report highlights serious shortcomings, including violations of civil liberties, restrictions on NGOs, pressure on the media, and measures targeting political parties.
"If you're a Georgian and your aspiration is to join the EU, this report is a catastrophe," Fischer said.
"Germany endorses the report. Georgia is off track to join the EU. This is not our responsibility; it is Georgia's responsibility. But it should be a wake-up call."
Fischer noted that while Georgia retains candidate status, it is effectively put "to the side," similar to Turkey, because the country has not demonstrated the democratic standards required for membership. He said the EU remains hopeful that Georgia may realign its policies and institutions, but stressed that fundamental reforms are needed.
"The most important requirements for joining the EU are the rule of law, civil liberties, and a functioning parliamentary democracy. Georgia has gone in another direction. That is the bitter and sad truth," Fischer said.
The ambassador concluded that unless Georgia addresses these shortcomings, its prospects for EU membership will remain stalled.
