Georgia has faced significant challenges in state and nation-building since independence but has also introduced important state reforms and advanced on EU integration path. The country has transitioned to a parliamentary republic, with ongoing efforts to reform the judiciary, strengthen institutions and enhance local governance. Challenges related to democratic governance persist, denoted by the nine steps set by the EU in 2023 as a precondition for further progress on EU accession path. Despite legal frameworks in place for local self-governance, practical implementation remains weak, contributing to citizen’s political alienation. Horizontal intergovernmental relations are characterised by the dominance of central authority, which is found to be a hindrance to effective and independent representation and service delivery closer to citizens, especially against a backdrop of weak system of checks and balances. There is a considerable lack of formal independent horizontal coordination mechanisms, somewhat mitigated by either the state representatives serving as coordinators between the central government and local bodies or ad hoc governmental councils and commissions, allowing certain localisation of policymaking. Prioritizing the strengthening of horizontal coordination and ensuring that local governance units operate effectively and collaboratively is essential for the country’s continued progress in democratic governance and integration into the EU.