Georgia Ranks 27th on EU Freedom Barometer 2019

Georgia has ranked 27th among the list of 45 nations in the Freedom Barometer Index, which evaluates the overall state of freedom in 45 countries between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019. Georgia’s score improved by 4.95 points compared to the previous year.

The Freedom Barometer is a project of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, measuring economic, political freedom and the rule of law around Europe. 

More specifically, the research outlines the indicators of countries in regard to the rule of law and politics, the freedom of speech, and free trade criteria.

Georgia is ahead of all its neighboring countries, as well as Italy, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Hungary. However, in the post-Soviet space, Georgia is behind the Baltic states.

Georgia holds the leading position in the category of economic freedom. The official report published by the Freedom Barometer states that property rights are mostly secured in the country; however, the report goes on to say that "although courts are perceived as mostly independent from the government, in important cases political considerations influence court decisions and lead to favoritism in rulings."

As for the political freedom indicator, Georgia ranks 35th. The study highlights the issue of freedom of the press in the country, which, according to the report, has improved significantly in recent years. However, “there are still many problems remaining to be addressed. There is a wide variety of broadcast, print and online media outlets that operate in the country, providing citizens with diverse opinions. However, the reporting often tends to be biased, with media coverage reflecting deep political divisions in society”, reads the report.

Regarding the free and fair elections indicator, Georgia’s score declined by 0.36 points; the country now holding 6.43 points. In regard to the presidential elections of 2018, the report states: “Although elections were marked as free and competitive, electoral irregularities were noted, such as blurred separation between public and party activities by officials, abuse of state resources, pressure on public employees, voter intimidation and biased public media reporting.” 

Regarding corruption, the report states: “Georgia is less corrupt than one-third of the members of the EU and less than any of the official EU candidates from the Balkans.” In this respect, Georgia is ahead of Romania, Greece and Bulgaria. With its scores, Georgia is a leader in the Caucasus and the Black Sea.

By Elene Dzebisashvili