The Council of the European Union has decided to suspend parts of its visa facilitation agreement with Georgia, requiring Georgian diplomats and officials to apply for visas when traveling to the EU.

The suspension will impact members of Georgia’s national and regional governments, parliaments, judiciary, and holders of diplomatic passports. These officials will no longer benefit from shorter visa application times, reduced fees, or fewer document requirements. Georgian citizens holding ordinary passports remain exempt from visa requirements for short stays in the EU.

The decision is a response to Georgia's legislative actions and government behavior that the EU views as undermining democratic values and fundamental rights. These include the adoption of the “Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence” and a legislative package on “family values and protection of minors.” The EU has criticized these laws for restricting freedoms of association and expression, privacy, and public participation, as well as fostering discrimination and stigmatization.

Additionally, the Council condemned violent repression by Georgian authorities against peaceful protesters, independent media, and politicians. This repression followed the Georgian government’s announcement in November 2024 to delay EU accession talks until 2028, a move seen as contrary to EU integration principles.

Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak stated: “Fundamental rights and democratic values are core principles of EU integration. Officials representing a country that tramples these values should not benefit from easier access to the EU.”

The EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement, effective since March 1, 2011, aimed to simplify travel for Georgian citizens visiting the EU for up to 90 days. However, the agreement includes provisions allowing suspension for reasons of public order, national security, or public health.

The suspension of privileges for Georgian officials reflects the EU’s broader concerns over Georgia’s democratic backsliding. Member states may now adopt national measures to enforce visa requirements for Georgian diplomatic, service, and special passport holders.

As the partial suspension takes effect, it marks a significant strain in EU-Georgia relations, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to its foundational principles of democracy and human rights. (ILKHA)