Georgia and the Nordic Countries

The Nordic countries - Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland - have been among Georgia’s most consistent and reliable partners since the restoration of its independence. All five countries have been steadfast supporters of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. This support has been particularly visible within international organizations, where they have consistently drawn attention to the grave security and human rights situation in Georgia’s Russian-occupied regions and have actively contributed to keeping these issues high on the international agenda.

Over the years, the Nordic countries have strongly supported Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, democratic development, and strengthening of state institutions. In addition, they have made a direct contribution to security monitoring along the occupation line through their participation in the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), with Sweden, Denmark, and Finland serving as contributing countries to the mission.

Cooperation between Georgia and the Nordic countries has covered a wide range of areas, including security and defence, democratic governance and human rights protection, education, energy, environmental protection, as well as social and economic development. Over the course of this longstanding partnership, numerous initiatives have played an important role in strengthening Georgia’s institutions and supporting the country’s alignment with European standards.

Sweden

• European Path and the Eastern Partnership

Sweden has been one of Georgia’s most consistent European partners, playing a particularly important role in supporting Georgia’s European integration, democratic development, and the strengthening of state institutions. Since the restoration of Georgia’s independence, Sweden has actively supported Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, both in bilateral relations and within the framework of the European Union and international organizations.

Sweden’s role in initiating and advancing the European Union’s Eastern Partnership has been of particular importance for Georgia’s European integration process. In 2009, at the Prague Summit, Sweden, together with Poland, was one of the initiators of the Eastern Partnership, which created new opportunities for deepening political association and economic integration between Georgia and the European Union. The Eastern Partnership contributed to the processes that ultimately led to the signing of the Association Agreement between Georgia and the EU, the establishment of the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), and the achievement of visa liberalization.

• Support for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

The protection of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has been one of the fundamental pillars of relations with Sweden. Sweden has consistently reaffirmed its support for Georgia’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, its policy of non-recognition of the so-called independence of the occupied regions, and the importance of keeping this issue on the international agenda.

A practical expression of this support is Sweden’s participation in the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), which has played an important role in monitoring the security situation on the ground and promoting stability since the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. Over different periods, Sweden has been one of the Mission’s largest contributors, while Swedish officials have regularly visited the administrative boundary line to gain first-hand insight into the security challenges resulting from the occupation.

• Democratic Development and Institutional Cooperation

Sweden’s longstanding partnership with Georgia has been significantly based on development cooperation, implemented through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). Swedish support has covered areas such as democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights protection, local self-government, gender equality, environmental protection and strengthening civil society.

This cooperation has made an important contribution to developing institutional capacities in Georgia and advancing the country’s alignment with European standards.

• Sharing Experience and Developing Professional Links

An important dimension of the longstanding partnership between Georgia and Sweden has been the strengthening of societal and professional ties and the exchange of knowledge and experience. Through programmes of the Swedish Institute, Georgian students, public sector representatives, young professionals, and civil society leaders have had opportunities to participate in educational and exchange initiatives.

These initiatives facilitated the exchange of experience across a range of fields, including democracy, human rights, free media and sustainable development, while also contributing to the development of long-term ties between Georgian and Swedish societies.

• A New Reality of Cooperation and Future Prospects

In recent years, against the backdrop of political developments in Georgia, Sweden has been among the European countries that have expressed concern over the deterioration of the democratic environment and challenges affecting Georgia’s European integration process. In 2025, based on assessments regarding the state of democracy in Georgia, the Swedish Government decided to discontinue direct cooperation programmes with Georgian state institutions that had been implemented for many years in support of reforms and institutional development. At the same time, Sweden continued and expanded cooperation in areas aimed at supporting civil society development, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting the protection of human rights.

This approach was also reflected in Sweden’s new Reform Cooperation Strategy for 2026-2030, which, in relation to Georgia, acknowledges the existing democratic challenges in the country and identifies areas aimed at supporting continued reform efforts, strengthening democratic development, and promoting Georgia’s alignment with European values and standards.

The long-standing partnership between Sweden and Georgia demonstrates the importance of consistent political support, development cooperation and professional exchanges in strengthening democratic institutions, advancing European values and supporting Georgia’s European aspirations.

Norway

• Political Support and Bilateral Partnership

Norway is one of Georgia’s consistent partners, with its support over the years based on respect for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, promotion of democratic development, strengthening of institutional capacities, and support for the country’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Cooperation between Norway and Georgia has covered a wide range of sectors. Over the past three decades, Norway’s financial contribution to Georgia has amounted to approximately GEL 325 million, supporting the country’s democratic, economic, and institutional transformation. Norway has also paid particular attention to the needs of conflict-affected communities, including through support for educational and social rehabilitation programmes aimed at promoting human rights protection in the Russian-occupied regions of Georgia, including for young people from the Gali district.

• Security and Defence Cooperation

Beyond political support, cooperation in the field of security and defence entered an active phase after 2010 and has included both bilateral formats such as military education, experience-sharing, and joint exercises, as well as multilateral cooperation mechanisms.

In this context, Norway has been one of the key supporters of the NATO-Georgia Substantial NATO-Georgia Package (SNGP), including through financial assistance and expert support for the development of the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre (JTEC).

• Economic Cooperation and Sustainable Development

From the perspective of diversifying Georgia’s foreign economic relations, an important milestone was the Free Trade Agreement signed with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) in 2016, which provided Georgia with access to one of the world’s most competitive and high-purchasing-power markets.

Norway’s support has also covered several key sectors. Cooperation in the fields of energy and environmental protection has focused on the development of renewable energy and hydropower, as well as supporting Georgia’s integration into international markets. One notable example of this cooperation is the establishment of a specialised air quality monitoring station in Georgia with Norwegian support.

• Social Development, Human Rights and Cultural Heritage

Norway’s engagement has also had an important social dimension. Its support has contributed to inclusive education, the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and people with special needs, including through initiatives implemented together with the Danish Refugee Council to improve access to education in occupied Abkhazia.

In the areas of good governance and human rights, Norway’s cooperation has focused on institutional reforms, minority protection, and strengthening the rule of law and justice institutions.

In the field of cultural heritage preservation, funding from the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren) supported initiatives such as the restoration of the Bethlehem Quarter, conservation of wooden houses at the Ethnographic Museum, management of the Nokalakevi archaeological complex, and archive digitalisation. In the healthcare sector, Norwegian-supported initiatives contributed to the introduction of an electronic monitoring module ensuring continuous oversight of maternal and child healthcare services. These represent only some examples of the numerous projects implemented in Georgia with Norwegian support.

• A New Context for Cooperation and Future Prospects

Despite these longstanding, pragmatic, and substantial ties, political developments in Georgia in recent years have affected the dynamics of bilateral relations. In particular, concerns over democratic backsliding and the adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence have led to critical assessments from Norway. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that such steps undermine democratic development and risk affecting Georgia’s European integration path.

In response to these developments, Norway, together with other Nordic countries, was among the initiators of invoking the OSCE Moscow Mechanism in relation to Georgia. According to official 2026 data from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), financial assistance aimed at strengthening Georgian state institutions and government programmes was suspended due to concerns related to democratic backsliding.

At the same time, one of the visible indicators of the deterioration in bilateral relations was Norway’s decision to introduce visa requirements for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports entering Norway.

Denmark

• Political Partnership and European Path

Denmark is one of Georgia’s consistent European partners, with its support over the years based on respect for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, support for European and Euro-Atlantic integration, strengthening of democratic institutions, and a shared vision on regional security challenges.

Diplomatic relations between Georgia and the Kingdom of Denmark were established in 1992. Over the following decades, bilateral ties gradually deepened, while the opening of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Denmark in Tbilisi marked an important step towards strengthening political dialogue and institutionalising practical cooperation.

Denmark has actively supported Georgia’s European aspirations, the process of closer integration with the European Union, and the promotion of Georgia’s interests in international formats. An important dimension of bilateral cooperation has also been the exchange of views on regional security issues and coordination within multilateral frameworks, including the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8).

In recent years, the dynamics of political relations between Georgia and Denmark have been significantly affected by political developments in Georgia. Legislative changes adopted in 2024, including the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence, as well as the political crisis following the parliamentary elections, prompted critical reactions from Denmark. Denmark’s position has reflected growing concerns over the deterioration of democratic standards and challenges facing Georgia’s European path.

Against this background, certain areas of cooperation have also been reviewed, particularly programmes related to support for state institutions and reform implementation. These developments reflect Denmark’s, as well as other European partners’, broader approach that the depth of political and institutional cooperation is closely linked to progress in democratic development.

• Sustainable Development and Areas of Cooperation

Economic and development cooperation between Georgia and Denmark remains relatively modest, considering the size of both economies; however, over the years it has covered important areas such as green transformation, sustainable economic development, private sector support, and strengthening of local capacities.

Initiatives supported by Denmark have focused on promoting a development model that combines economic opportunities, environmental responsibility, effective governance, and alignment with European standards. An important dimension of cooperation has also been strengthening the capacities of local self-governments and improving the quality of public administration.

• Security, Defence and Institutional Partnership

Cooperation between Georgia and Denmark in the fields of defence and security represents an important dimension of bilateral relations. Following the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, this cooperation further intensified, while the military agreement signed in 2009 provided a legal foundation for continued partnership in the defence sector.

Denmark’s participation in the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM), which has played an important role in monitoring the security situation on the ground and supporting stability since the 2008 war, also represents a practical expression of Denmark’s support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In subsequent years, cooperation developed both through bilateral formats and within the framework of NATO-Georgia partnership. One of the important areas of cooperation is Denmark’s Peace and Stabilisation Programme (2023–2026), aimed at strengthening Georgia’s defence and emergency management capacities. Within the framework of the programme, Danish support includes, among other areas, the development of the capabilities of the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Centre (JTEC).

Security and defence cooperation remain one of the strong pillars of Georgia-Denmark relations and is based on a shared interest in regional stability, a rules-based international security environment, and partnership responsibility.

• A New Context for Cooperation and Future Prospects

The longstanding partnership between Georgia and Denmark demonstrates that bilateral relations have been closely linked to Georgia’s democratic development, European integration process, and cooperation based on shared values.

In recent years, political developments in Georgia have affected the dynamics of bilateral relations and led to a review of certain areas of cooperation. The future development of the partnership will largely depend on progress in strengthening democratic institutions, the continuation of Georgia’s European integration process, and the restoration of trust with European partners.

The experience of Georgia-Denmark relations clearly demonstrates that a values-based partnership extends beyond political support alone; it is built upon a shared vision of democracy, the rule of law, accountable governance, and Georgia’s European development path.

Finland

• Long-standing Partnership and Political Support

Since the restoration of Georgia’s independence, Finland, together with its Nordic partners, has consistently supported the European aspirations of the Georgian people, the process of state-building, Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the consolidation of democracy, and the development of a strong civil society. Over three decades, bilateral relations have evolved from limited contacts into comprehensive institutional cooperation.

A turning point in this dynamic was Finland’s role during the August 2008 Russia–Georgia war. As the OSCE Chair country at the time, Finland played an important role in international mediation and clearly expressed its position in support of the inclusion of the principle of the inadmissibility of changing internationally recognized borders by force in the agreement. Following the ceasefire, Finland further strengthened its support and has remained one of the most consistent and significant contributors to the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia to this day.

• Georgia’s European Path and Institutional Cooperation

Finland has been a reliable institutional partner in Georgia’s European integration process. It has consistently supported Georgia’s key agreements with the European Union, including the Association Agreement (2014), the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA), and visa liberalisation (2017).

In addition, Finland has applied its sectoral expertise to strengthening Georgia’s institutional capacities. Within the framework of EU Twinning projects, Finnish experts have directly contributed to reforms in vocational education and to the harmonisation of Georgia’s environmental legislation with EU directives.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland supported the European perspective of the Associated Trio (Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia). At the same time, Helsinki consistently emphasised that EU integration is a merit-based process, dependent on compliance with democratic standards and criteria, while reaffirming that Georgia’s future belongs within the European family. This approach was reflected in the decision of December 2023, when Georgia was granted EU candidate status.

• Democratic Challenges and a New Phase in Relations

The rise of anti-Western narratives in Georgia and attempts to discredit international partners have had a clear negative impact on Finland-Georgia relations. Over the past two years, democratic backsliding and legislative changes adopted in Georgia have further affected political ties between the two countries.

In early 2026, Finland, together with 23 other OSCE participating States, joined the process of invoking the OSCE Moscow Mechanism.

Iceland

• Political and Multilateral Cooperation

Cooperation between Georgia and Iceland has primarily developed through multilateral formats, including NATO, the OSCE, and the Council of Europe, as well as through cooperation in specific sectoral areas.

Iceland actively supports Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. On international platforms, Iceland has consistently raised concerns regarding the situation in Georgia’s regions occupied by Russia and the challenges stemming from the ongoing occupation.

• Economic Cooperation

In the economic sphere, relations between the two countries are largely based on the framework of the free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which provides Georgia with opportunities to diversify its trade markets.

• The Impact of Domestic Political Developments on Partnership Relations

The political developments in Georgia in recent years, including the rise of anti-Western rhetoric, have had a significant negative impact on bilateral relations between Georgia and Iceland. Against the backdrop of democratic backsliding and the adoption of controversial legislative changes, Iceland, together with the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8), emphasized that these developments were inconsistent with the European values and standards that Georgia had previously sought to advance.

In response to these democratic challenges, Iceland, like the other four Nordic countries, was among the initiators of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism regarding Georgia.

The seriousness of the crisis was further underscored during the visit to Georgia on 15-16 May 2024, when Iceland’s then Minister for Foreign Affairs, together with the foreign ministers of the Baltic states, joined the public demonstration on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi and addressed the participants.

The longstanding cooperation between the Nordic countries and Georgia clearly demonstrates the importance of values-based partnership. The political support, development programmes, and practical cooperation provided by these countries have been an important factor in strengthening Georgia’s democratic development, institutional capacity, and European path.

Today, as questions related to Georgia’s foreign policy orientation and democratic development remain particularly significant, it is important to recognise and appreciate the value of a partnership that, over several decades, has delivered meaningful results for Georgia and its citizens.