On 7 August 2026, the European External Action Service (EEAS) issued a statement marking 18 years since the outbreak of the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia, condemning Russia's ongoing military presence in the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and its attempts to de facto integrate them into Russia's regulatory and security space. The statement, released by the EEAS Press Team, reiterates the EU's condemnation of Russia's recognition of these regions and declares that the so-called "Agreement on Deepening Allied Cooperation" signed on 9 May between Moscow and Tskhinvali, as well as the appointment of a Russian official as "Acting President" of South Ossetia, have no validity under international law.
The statement highlights that the consequences of the 2008 war continue to undermine Georgia's security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, with profound humanitarian consequences. Local communities have endured humanitarian challenges and human rights violations for 18 years, including restrictions on freedom of movement and illegal detentions, while obstacles preventing internally displaced persons and refugees from returning to their homes persist. The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
The EU remains fully committed to peaceful conflict resolution, including through its role as co-chair in the Geneva International Discussions (GID), the work of the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, and the continued presence of the EU Monitoring Mission (EUMM Georgia) as the sole international monitoring mission on the ground. The statement urges all GID participants to engage constructively to achieve full implementation of the 12 August 2008 six-point agreement and subsequent 8 September 2008 implementing measures.
This statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following Russia's increasing attempts to integrate the breakaway regions. The EU's position underscores its commitment to international law and the peaceful resolution of conflicts, while also reflecting broader concerns about Russia's actions in its neighbourhood. The statement serves as a reminder of the ongoing unresolved status of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the challenges facing Georgia's territorial integrity. The EU's continued engagement through the GID and EUMM highlights its role as a key actor in the region, though the lack of progress in the discussions underscores the difficulty of achieving a resolution. The statement's reaffirmation of support for Georgia may be seen as a signal of the EU's continued commitment to the country's sovereignty, but it also highlights the limitations of diplomatic efforts in the face of Russia's actions.