The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted its Hague Declaration and a set of accompanying resolutions on July 8, including sharply worded language on Georgia’s deteriorating democratic environment. The documents voiced concern over democratic regression in the country and urged the Georgian authorities to free all political prisoners, roll back restrictive laws, and begin a genuine reform process.

The vote took place at the end of the OSCE PA’s 33rd Annual Session in The Hague. Before the vote, Georgia’s delegation, headed by Nikoloz Samkharadze, chair of the foreign affairs committee in the disputed parliament, said it would boycott the process.

Samkharadze rejected the amended text of the declaration, claiming that it intentionally misrepresented Georgia’s domestic political situation, distorted facts, ignored attacks on state institutions, and selectively interpreted both election observation findings and the OSCE Moscow Mechanism report. He argued that the document endangered Georgia’s national interests and said the delegation would not take part in the vote as a form of protest. Georgian representatives reportedly then left the chamber.

OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons criticized the decision, saying that empty seats were not a constructive response either at home or in international parliamentary settings. He stressed that democracy requires participation, dialogue, and efforts to resolve disputes rather than withdrawal from debate.

Georgia appeared several times in the Hague Declaration. The text expressed deep concern about democratic backsliding, violence against demonstrators, opposition politicians and journalists, growing restrictions on civil society and independent media, and attempts to ban major opposition parties, referencing the findings of the Moscow Mechanism report.

At the same time, the declaration reaffirmed support for the Georgian people, democratic governance, political pluralism, and the protection of basic freedoms. It underlined the need to defend democratic institutions, preserve the rule of law, and ensure that political processes remain inclusive, transparent, and consistent with OSCE commitments.

The declaration also reiterated support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. It condemned Russia’s continued occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region and encouraged continued engagement through existing international formats, including the Geneva International Discussions.

In addition, the OSCE PA called on the Georgian authorities to guarantee that civil society organizations, independent media, and opposition figures can work freely and safely. It urged the government to refrain from violence and politically motivated prosecution and to create conditions for an inclusive political process based on democratic principles and OSCE obligations. The declaration also called for the swift and full implementation of the recommendations issued under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism.

A separate resolution focused specifically on Georgia was also adopted. Titled “Upholding Election Integrity and Fundamental Freedoms in Georgia,” the resolution was sponsored by U.S. Representative Joe Wilson, one of the most outspoken international critics of the Georgian Dream government.

The resolution raised concerns about Georgia’s October 2024 parliamentary elections, pointing to findings by the OSCE/ODIHR observation mission. These included allegations of voter intimidation, pressure on public-sector employees, and violations of ballot secrecy. The document also said the OSCE PA was troubled by reported falsification, vote manipulation, voter bribery, so-called carousel voting, and obstruction of opposition observers during the October 2025 local elections.

The resolution stressed that the legitimacy of any election depends on whether it meets international standards for free, fair, and transparent voting.

The text also criticized what it described as restrictive legislation, including the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, widely referred to as the Foreign Agents Law, as well as amendments to the Law on Assemblies and Demonstrations and the Code on Administrative Offences. According to the resolution, these measures have seriously limited freedom of association, media freedom, freedom of expression, and the right to assembly, while creating a chilling effect on civil society.

The OSCE PA further warned about the systematic use of administrative resources and the concentration of institutional power, arguing that these practices have produced an uneven political field, damaged public confidence in democratic processes, and contributed to de facto one-party rule.

The resolution condemned arbitrary detentions, arrests, and harassment targeting opposition figures, journalists, and peaceful protesters. It also warned that the weakening of democratic checks and balances and Georgia’s departure from OSCE commitments directly threaten the country’s Euro-Atlantic trajectory.

The document called on the Georgian authorities to release all Georgian political prisoners identified by domestic and international rights organizations. It also urged the government to repeal or revise legislation restricting fundamental freedoms, including provisions affecting freedom of expression, media pluralism, and the independence of broadcasters, in line with Georgia’s international human rights obligations.