EU to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passports

The European Council has decided to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic passport holders, following discussions at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday.

A qualified majority of EU member states backed the move, with at least 55% of countries representing 65% of the EU population supporting the initiation of the procedure, Radio Liberty reports. The European Commission has been instructed to draft a formal document on the matter, which is expected to be presented in the coming days.

The ministers also debated potential sanctions against senior officials of Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party. EU foreign policy chief, who chairs the Council on Foreign Relations, reportedly advocated for the measures. However, resistance from Hungary and Slovakia has stalled any immediate action, according to Politico.

The EU foreign ministers’ meeting is ongoing, with an official press conference scheduled after its conclusion.