During a press briefing on October 14, Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, warned that Georgia’s ruling party is steering the country towards authoritarianism. Borrell noted that the recent actions, statements, and electoral promises of the Georgian Dream party are taking Georgia away from its European path. He stated that "the European Union accession process is de facto halted," referencing a recent decision by the Commission that affected Georgia’s access to European funding.

Borrell highlighted that the upcoming parliamentary elections would be a crucial test for Georgia’s democracy and its prospects of joining the EU. In comparing Georgia to Moldova, another EU-aspirant nation, he described Georgia's outlook as "bleaker." He commended Moldova’s significant progress despite Russian interference, including illegal vote-buying and hybrid attacks, and reaffirmed the EU’s support for Moldova’s efforts to resist these challenges.