The EU may end visa-free travel for Georgian citizens due to its government's policies
The European Union may completely halt visa-free travel for Georgia, stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In a letter to the Georgian opposition, she stated that if the Georgian government does not change its policy, EU authorities may suspend visa-free travel for all Georgian citizens. Currently, only holders of Georgian diplomatic passports are excluded from visa-free travel.
According to von der Leyen, the EU has previously voiced concerns about illegitimate elections in Georgia, violence against protesters, laws it considers repressive, and the use of the courts for political purposes. As a result, the EU has stopped providing financial aid to the country, reduced communication with the Georgian authorities, and partially lifted the simplified visa regime for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Von der Leyen concluded that Georgia's path to the EU is effectively blocked.
She also said that the European Union is discussing the possibility of imposing personal sanctions against Georgian officials, but EU countries have not yet reached a unified decision.
"At the same time, the European Union continues to support the Georgian people's aspirations for democracy and European membership," the European Commission leader emphasized.
