EU suspends visa-free journey for Georgian officers

The European Commission has suspended all visa-free journey within the EU for Georgian diplomats and high-ranking authorities officers.

The Commission mentioned the suspension is available in response to “Georgia’s deliberate and persisting violation” of their commitments to  democracy, in addition to human and elementary rights.

“If a government attacks its own people, silences journalists, and curtails freedom, there are consequences,” EU international coverage chief Kaja Kallas mentioned in an announcement.

Why is the EU suspending visas?

Since the Kremlin-friendly Georgian Dream occasion claimed victory within the 2024 Georgia elections, the nation has been gripped by protests and political unrest. Authorities have responded with mass arrests, and there have been episodes of police violence.

“The people of Georgia have our full support but there is no place for those representing repression in our union,” Kallas mentioned.

Under the suspension, Georgian diplomats and different particular passport holders should now acquire a Schengen visa earlier than getting into EU international locations. Ordinary Georgian residents, touring on normal biometric passports, are usually not affected and might nonetheless enter the EU visa-free for brief stays.

The EU mentioned the suspension will final for a yr however could possibly be prolonged by extra two years if the Georgian authorities fail to handle the continuing political points.

The Georgian authorities didn’t instantly reply to the transfer.

Tbilisi shifting nearer to Moscow

Last yr, 19 out of the 27 EU international locations already suspended visa privileges for Georgian officers.

At the time, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentioned this may “worsen rather than improve Georgia’s relations with the European Union.”

The EU’s latest ruling, nevertheless, imposes the suspension uniformly throughout all member states.

In latest years, Georgia has warmed up its financial ties with neighboring Russia and brought a extra authoritarian flip at house. The trajectory contrasts with the nation’s earlier status as some of the democratic and pro-Western states to emerge from the Soviet Union.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic