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.

Последние новости
Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
Politics
Armenian Prime Minister Does Not Rule Out International Court Over Railway Dispute with Russia
30 July 2026

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said Yerevan does not rule out taking its dispute with Russia over the management of the South Caucasus Railway to an international court if the issue cannot be resolved through negotiations. At the same time, he stressed that the Armenian authorities hope to settle the matter through talks.
Circassian Youth from Syria and Turkey Hold First Joint Meeting in Damascus Since Change of Power
Society
Circassian Youth from Syria and Turkey Hold First Joint Meeting in Damascus Since Change of Power
30 July 2026

Circassian youth from Syria and Turkey have held their first international gathering in Damascus since the change of power in the country, bringing together young members of the diaspora to strengthen cultural ties, foster dialogue, and discuss future cooperation.
Georgia Denies International Protection to 17 Ukrainians, Who Now Face Possible Deportation
Human rights
Georgia Denies International Protection to 17 Ukrainians, Who Now Face Possible Deportation
30 July 2026

Georgian authorities have denied international protection to 17 Ukrainian citizens who have spent nearly a year in the basement of the Dariali border crossing point (Upper Lars) on the Georgia–Russia border. Once the decisions take legal effect, they could be deported at any moment.
Fuel Crisis Reaches Abkhazia as Long Queues Form at Petrol Stations
Economy
Fuel Crisis Reaches Abkhazia as Long Queues Form at Petrol Stations
30 July 2026

Abkhazia is facing a sharp deterioration in its fuel supply, with long queues forming at major petrol stations in Sukhumi and other towns. Some filling stations have introduced a limit of 20 litres of petrol per vehicle. The de facto authorities acknowledge supply disruptions but insist they are temporary.