Statement following the European People’s Party Political Assembly 28–29 September 2026 Toulouse On 27 September, we remember the fall of Sukhumi in 1993. We honour the victims of the war in Abkhazia and stand with the hundreds of thousands forcibly displaced from their homes, who continue to await justice and the right to return. The European People’s Party reaffirms its support for Georgia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia are integral parts of Georgia. We condemn Russia’s illegal occupation and militarisation of these regions, including ongoing so-called “borderisation”, arbitrary detentions, restrictions on freedom of movement and violations of fundamental rights. We condemn and refuse to recognise the illegal so-called presidential election held on 18 September 2026 in the occupied Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia. It has no legitimacy or legal effect and represents another attempt by Russia and its occupation regime to consolidate control and advance the region’s de facto annexation. Russia must fully implement the EU-mediated Six-Point Ceasefire Agreement of 12 August 2008, withdraw its military and security forces from Georgia and reverse its recognition of the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Russia’s aggression against Georgia and occupation of its territory form part of a broader pattern of aggression against sovereign neighbouring states, now seen most brutally in its war against Ukraine. Internally displaced persons and refugees, as well as their descendants, have the right to return voluntarily, safely and with dignity. International humanitarian and human-rights organisations must receive unhindered access to the occupied regions. We call on the European Union and the wider international community to uphold a firm policy of non-recognition and keep Russia’s occupation of Georgian territory high on the international agenda. We support peaceful reconciliation among Georgian, Abkhaz and Ossetian communities and the continuation of the Geneva International Discussions. Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration is essential to strengthening its security and sovereignty and creating conditions for a peaceful, lasting resolution of these conflicts. We are deeply concerned by the stalemate in Georgia’s EU accession process and stress the need to restore the country’s democratic order and progress on its European path. The EPP stands with the Georgian people and supports their right to determine their democratic and European future, free from occupation, coercion and foreign interference. The passage of time cannot legitimise occupation, forced displacement or violations of international law.