European Parliament calls on EU to impose targeted sanctions on representatives of Georgian regime

On 12 March, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situations, including in Georgia and Russia (regarding the recruitment of non-Russian nationals for Russia’s war in Ukraine).

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemned the systematic persecution carried out in Georgia by the Georgian Dream party against its political opponents and journalists, and strongly condemned the political detention of Elene Khoshtaria, a member of the Coalition for Change, who was arrested in September. They called for her release and denounced the degrading and inhumane treatment she has reportedly suffered during her detention.

MEPs also demanded an independent and transparent investigation into other national security abuses, citing credible reports of the use of chemical weapons against protesters. They expressed deep concern over the continued detention and deteriorating health condition of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who for more than four years has effectively been held as a political hostage. MEPs called on the EU to impose targeted sanctions and an EU-wide visa ban on representatives of the regime and its enablers.

The existence of political prisoners is incompatible with Georgia’s obligations under the EU-Georgia Association Agreement, MEPs said, and reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Georgian people and their commitment to a democratic, European future. In December 2025, Parliament awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, who is currently imprisoned in Georgia.

The resolution was adopted by 438 votes for, 37 against and 81 abstentions.

At the same session, MEPs condemned human trafficking and grave human rights violations linked to the recruitment of non-Russian nationals, in particular from African countries, for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

MEPs call on the EU and its Member States to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities responsible for such human trafficking and said that these practices may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Parliament also called on social media platforms to take responsibility and cooperate with the authorities to identify and remove content used by Russian-linked recruitment networks.

The resolution was adopted by 479 votes for, 17 against with 43 abstentions.

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