EU Ambassador: Visa-Free Travel for Georgia May Be Suspended for Six Months by Member States
Key Points:
1. The EU Ambassador to Georgia has indicated that member states may consider revoking visa-free travel for Georgia.
2. If implemented, this suspension could last for six months.
3. Several EU countries have already expressed support for this potential suspension.
EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński, has announced that member states might suspend visa-free travel for Georgian nationals for up to six months, following the country's controversial adoption of the "foreign agents" law.
In a recent interview, Ambassador Herczyński mentioned that member states are exploring potential measures against Georgia. He suggested that the suspension of visa-free travel appears more likely than other actions. It was noted that only a majority vote among member states is needed to enact this suspension, not a unanimous decision.
Ambassador Herczyński expressed regret over this potential measure, emphasizing that it would primarily impact Georgian citizens rather than the government, and stressed that the EU does not aim to punish ordinary citizens.
Support for Suspension:
Several EU countries, including Czechia, Estonia, and the Netherlands, have advocated for the suspension of Georgia's visa-free travel privileges. These nations believe this action could prompt the Georgian authorities to reconsider their stance on the "foreign agents" law.
EU officials have hinted at additional measures being considered against Georgia, though specifics remain undisclosed. The adoption of the "foreign agents" law is also seen as a significant obstacle to Georgia's EU accession process.
In contrast, Georgian authorities argue that suspending visa-free travel is unlikely due to procedural constraints within the EU. Georgian Vice Prime Minister, Tea Tsulukiani, has stated that such a suspension would be very improbable.