EU Warns of Suspending Georgia’s Visa-Free Travel

The European Union (EU) is considering the drastic move of suspending Georgia's visa-free travel arrangement if the upcoming parliamentary elections on October 26 are not conducted freely, fairly, and peacefully.

This warning, issued by the EU's ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, on September 20, has sparked concerns where visa-free access to Europe is seen as a major milestone for its citizens.

Under a 2017 agreement, Georgian citizens have enjoyed the privilege of travelling to Europe’s Schengen zone without a visa, allowing them to stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

For many Georgians, visa liberalisation was a great victory, liberating them from the bureaucratic hurdles and long wait times that had previously hampered their travel plans. However, if the future election does not meet international standards, this hard-earned achievement may be removed.

Ambassador Herczynski stated, “All options are on the table,” including suspending the visa-free regime—a measure previously taken against Belarus following its controversial 2020 elections. Such a move would undoubtedly be a blow to Georgia’s international standing and could impact thousands of ordinary citizens who depend on this visa-free access for work, family visits, and tourism.”

A Strained Relationship with the West

The threat comes at a time when Georgia’s relationship with its Western allies is increasingly strained. The U.S. and several European countries have accused the Georgian government of backsliding on democratic reforms and drifting closer to Russia, a country with which Georgia has a complex and often tense history.

Although the ruling Georgian Dream party claims it still aspires to join the EU and NATO, its actions over the past two years suggest otherwise. The party, led by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili—widely considered the country’s most powerful figure—has made moves to strengthen ties with Moscow. Recently, Ivanishvili even suggested that Georgia should apologise to Russia for the brief 2008 war, a conflict that resulted in Russia recognizing two breakaway regions in Georgia.

What Could Happen Next?

If the EU decides to suspend visa-free travel, Georgia could find itself increasingly isolated from the West. Such a move would parallel actions taken against Belarus after its widely condemned 2020 elections, which saw the country hit with sanctions and barred from many forms of Western engagement. While not an identical situation, the implication is clear: Georgia’s future in Europe depends on its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

In December 2023, Georgia was granted EU candidate status, a step that should have brought it closer to full membership. However, its progress has stalled.

Polls show the ruling Georgian Dream party remains popular, but it has lost support since 2020. Whether it can maintain power or whether it’s willing to meet the EU’s expectations for a fair election could define Georgia’s path for years to come.

For now, Georgian citizens are left in limbo, as the possibility of losing their hard-earned access to Europe looms larger by the day.

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