For the first time since the 2008 Bucharest Summit, the NATO Washington Summit Declaration, adopted on July 11, did not include the previously standard commitment that “Georgia will become a member of the Alliance with the Membership Action Plan as an integral part of the process.” This omission marks a significant shift amid deteriorating relations between Georgia and its Western partners over the past two years. NATO officials have expressed concerns about Georgia’s “stalled reforms” since 2022.

Georgia was mentioned only once in this year's declaration, specifically in paragraph 17. This section called on Russia to withdraw all its forces from the Republic of Moldova and Georgia stationed in these countries without their consent. Notably, Georgia was excluded from paragraph 28, which addresses partner countries and explicitly mentions Moldova and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, Georgia was also omitted from discussions on the Black Sea region in article 31.

In contrast, the summit declaration outlined a series of concrete measures to support Ukraine, including financial, logistical, training, and equipment assistance, and referred to Ukraine’s "irreversible path" to full Euro-Atlantic integration.

As the summit in Washington takes place, the U.S. Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, will visit Georgia and Armenia to promote discussions on democratic governance, anti-corruption, media freedom, freedom of expression, and the inclusion of marginalized and vulnerable groups.

During her visit to Georgia, Under Secretary Zeya plans to meet with representatives from the executive branch, the legislature, civil society organizations (CSOs), and the media. These discussions will address the U.S.'s serious concerns regarding Georgia’s "foreign influence" law and other pieces of legislation perceived as illiberal, as well as harmful rhetoric from the Georgian government, which the U.S. believes jeopardizes Georgia’s trajectory towards Euro-Atlantic integration.

The State Department indicated that Under Secretary Zeya will emphasize the damage the Georgian government's undemocratic actions and disinformation about the United States have done to the long-standing bilateral relationship. She will also affirm the U.S.'s steadfast support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlight the Georgian people's commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration, and acknowledge the U.S.'s continued assistance over 32 years of partnership.

Moreover, she will underscore the importance of conducting free and fair elections, maintaining a robust civil society, respecting fundamental freedoms, and protecting the rights of marginalized groups and all Georgian citizens. Additionally, Under Secretary Zeya is scheduled to visit a community organization led by women who have been displaced by Russia’s ongoing occupation of Georgian territory.