Georgia recently closed its state-run information office dedicated to Euro-Atlantic ties, which had operated for 20 years in a prominent building on Tbilisi's Freedom Square.

This decision has drawn criticism from the European Commission, which described it as 'another step in the wrong direction,' amidst concerns regarding the country’s waning relations with the West.

The centre’s director, Tamara Tsuleiskiri, announced that its functions would now be transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of a reorganization.

Civil society organizations have noted that the centre had already been scaling back its activities, including public advocacy and promotional events, over the previous year.

Georgia's status as a candidate for EU membership was granted in 2023, following NATO’s indication in 2008 that Tbilisi could potentially join the military alliance in the future.

However, the recent closure of the information office is viewed as part of a series of moves that limit Georgia's engagement with these institutions.

Anitta Hipper, the EU's foreign affairs spokesperson, pointed out that the closure aligns with other measures taken by the Georgian authorities to restrict engagement with the EU. These include ongoing restructuring within the foreign ministry and reported dismissals of numerous employees.

The EU has warned that this trend could result in 'consequences,' including downgrading political contacts and cutting direct assistance to Tbilisi.

The deterioration in Georgia's political landscape followed the Georgian Dream party's electoral victory in October, culminating in a series of anti-government protests and threats to the country's democratic practices.

Consequently, the EU accession process for Georgia has been suspended until 2028.

EU foreign ministers are scheduled to address these developments during their gathering in Brussels on June 23.

In related remarks, Bidzina Ivanishvili, a prominent figure within Georgia’s ruling party, has accused the EU and NATO of being influenced by a 'global war party' seeking regime change in Georgia and further conflict concerning Russia's actions in Ukraine.

George Melashvili, director of the Europe-Georgia Institute, remarked that the current government's strategy appears to be a gradual severing of institutional and symbolic ties with Western alliances.

He noted the elimination of the NATO and EU information centre as a clear signal indicating a shift away from the Euro-Atlantic path.

Furthermore, he cautioned that the Georgian Dream government might increase anti-Western rhetoric while promoting alternative partnerships.

In a separate development, the European Court of Justice's Advocate General issued a non-binding legal opinion stating that Hungary violated EU law through its 2021 legislation restricting LGBTQ-related content.

The opinion indicated that this law infringes on fundamental rights, including non-discrimination based on sexual orientation and freedom of expression.

This comes amidst increasing scrutiny of Hungary's compliance with EU values under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's leadership.