The Georgian Foreign Ministry has criticized statements made by the European Union regarding legal proceedings that could lead to the banning of five opposition parties. The ministry issued its response following comments made on October 19 by European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand.

"The Ministry believes that questioning the legitimacy of the judicial proceedings and evaluating the trial before the case has been heard on its merits constitutes an attempt to exert undue pressure on a constitutional institution and represents interference in Georgia’s internal affairs. Respect for the rule of law requires that the court be allowed to examine the case independently, in accordance with the Constitution and the existing legislation of Georgia," the Georgian Foreign Ministry stated.

The Ministry also urged EU representatives to refrain from statements or actions that could be perceived as interference in the work of independent constitutional institutions. According to the Ministry, the European Union’s rhetoric regarding Georgia’s domestic political and legal matters "hinders constructive cooperation" between the two sides.

A day earlier, European Commission spokesperson Christian Wigand commented on the proceedings in the Constitutional Court of Georgia, which is considering a petition from the ruling party to ban five opposition groups.

"This threatens fundamental freedoms, democratic pluralism, and fair political competition," Wigand stated.

He added that the EU would continue to monitor the progress of the legal proceedings. According to the European Commission spokesperson, the broader context of the case—including recent legislative changes and previous rhetoric regarding the banning of opposition parties—is also a cause for concern. "Georgian Dream" initially sought to ban three opposition forces: the "United National Movement," the "Akhali – Coalition for Change" alliance, and "Strong Georgia – Lelo." In April 2026, the "Federalists" party—led by Giga Bokeria and Tamar Chergoleishvili—was added to the lawsuit, followed in September by the "For Georgia" party, founded by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.

On October 8, the European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning "Georgian Dream’s" attempt to ban opposition parties. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) demanded the withdrawal of the case from the Constitutional Court and called for the repeal of legislative provisions that allow for excessive restrictions to be imposed on banned parties and individuals associated with them. The resolution passed with 445 votes in favor, 37 against, and 97 abstentions.

On October 13, the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe released an opinion regarding amendments adopted by the Parliament of Georgia on October 16, 2025. These amendments stipulate that, following a Constitutional Court ruling to ban a party, individuals associated with that party may be stripped of their rights to form or join other parties, hold political office, participate in elections, or provide funding to political organizations. Parties that accept such individuals could also face sanctions. The Venice Commission criticized these restrictions, pointing to the risk that political rights could be infringed upon without an individual assessment of each person's specific actions.