EU To Reevaluate Visa-Free Travel for Georgia

The European Union's foreign ministers are set to deliberate on Georgia's visa-free travel agreement during the Council of Foreign Affairs meeting on December 16, according to EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski.

Discussions will explore all possible options, including the suspension of the visa-free regime.

Since March 28, 2017, Georgian citizens with biometric passports have been able to travel visa-free to EU/Schengen countries. However, this arrangement has come under scrutiny due to recent political developments in Georgia.

Several EU member states recently urged the European Union to review its visa-free travel agreement with Georgia. They also called for sanctions against Georgian officials and a reevaluation of the country’s visa liberalisation agreement.

These demands followed the October 26 parliamentary elections in Georgia, won by the ruling Georgian Dream party. The opposition and EU representatives, including Josep Borrell, criticized the elections for alleged irregularities, calling them a setback for Georgia’s democratic progress and its aspirations for EU membership.

Concerns Over Georgia’s EU Aspirations

The European Parliament has condemned the Georgian elections, stating they were neither free nor fair. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze subsequently announced a suspension of Georgia’s EU membership application process until 2028.

EU officials have expressed concerns about violations of international norms during the elections, demanding impartial investigations into complaints. These issues will likely influence the upcoming discussions among the EU foreign ministers.

The outcome of the December 16 meeting could determine the future of Georgia’s visa-free access to EU countries, impacting its relationship with the bloc.

Do you think Georgia’s visa-free travel to the Schengen Area will be revoked? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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