European Union (EU) officials are preparing to approve the suspension of visa liberalization for Georgian diplomatic passports on Friday, January 10, 2025. Following this, EU ambassadors are expected to give the green light on January 24, which could pave the way for the suspension to take effect as early as February.
This information was shared by Rikard Jozwiak, Europe Editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL), on X. According to Jozwiak, a qualified majority vote, which is anticipated to pass, will be required for the suspension to be enacted.
The suspension would primarily affect Georgian diplomats, restricting their ability to travel freely within the Schengen Area. The move follows concerns over the Georgian Government’s steps that distance the country from the EU accession path and allegations of October 26 election manipulations.