European Union (EU) leaders are set to warn Georgia that its government is jeopardizing the country's path towards the EU ahead of a parliamentary election later this month, according to a draft text, Reuters reports.

Georgia was granted EU membership candidate status in December 2023. But the ruling Georgian Dream party’s increasingly Russia-friendly rhetoric, a controversial law requiring groups that receive funds from abroad to register as "foreign agents" and legislation curbing LGBT rights have all fueled concerns in Western capitals.

In draft conclusions prepared for a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday and Friday, the bloc "reaffirms the Union’s readiness to support the Georgian people on their European path," but also "reiterates its serious concern regarding the course of action taken by the Georgian authorities."

"The European Council recalls that such course of action jeopardises Georgia’s EU path, and de facto halts the accession process," the EU's 27 heads of state and government are expected to say, calling on Tbilisi to adopt democratic reforms.

"The European Council expects the Georgian authorities to ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elections are free and fair," the EU leaders also say according to the draft conclusions.

The developments ahead of Georgia's October 26 election are being closely watched by the country's international partners.