FBA’s work with Georgia
In recent years, Georgia’s development has been marked by a serious democratic regression, with legislation restricting the space for civil society, as well as the freedoms of assembly, expression, and the press. This has been met with large-scale public protests. The 2024 parliamentary elections were characterised by deficiencies, threats, and voter surveillance. As a result, Georgia’s path towards the EU has stalled, and Sweden has suspended all cooperation between government agencies with the country.
Personnel contributions
Since 2008, the EU’s civilian monitoring mission, EUMM, has been present in Georgia to monitor the ceasefire and prevent the conflict from reigniting along the dividing lines with Abkhazia and South Ossetia. The mission contributes to stability and security, helping people to live safer daily lives.
People in Georgia need support for their peace and security, but existing legislation makes it difficult to provide democracy support without risking the safety of recipients. In such times, it is valuable for the Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA) to channel its support through the EU. This delivers tangible results in people’s daily lives and demonstrates that the EU remains committed to supporting the people of Georgia.
Currently, FBA contributes around 5 percent of the mission’s 200 personnel deployed from various EU countries. FBA also strengthens the mission through targeted expert support to the EU system, such as training in leadership for gender equality.
EUMM: 9 people
UN RCO: 1 person
EUSR: 1 person