EU urges Georgia to comply with rights standards or risk full suspension of visa-free travel

The European Commission has sent a formal letter to Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, warning that continued failure to implement key human rights reforms could lead to the full suspension of visa-free travel for Georgian citizens.

In the letter, Beate Gminder, Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission, expressed concern over what she described as “violations of fundamental rights and freedoms” in Georgia. These included infringements on the principle of non-discrimination and other core European and international standards.

The Commission reiterated its demand for the Georgian government to repeal controversial legislation, including the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence and a new legislative package on so-called Family Values and Protection of Minors, both of which have drawn widespread criticism from rights groups and EU officials.

“In response to the inaction of your government, in January 2025, the European Union decided to partially suspend the EU-Georgia Visa Facilitation Agreement and to withdraw visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports,” the letter said.

Since that decision, twelve EU member states have imposed visa requirements on Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders, and others are expected to follow.

The Commission has asked for a full update on the implementation of its recommendations and warned that if Georgia failed to act, further measures may follow.

“Based on the assessment, in case of continued non-compliance with the recommendations, the Commission may take appropriate measures under Article 8 of the Visa Regulation, in particular the activation of the visa suspension mechanism,” the letter read.

Gminder also emphasized that the EU “remains committed to a strong and values-based relationship with Georgia,” but underlined the necessity of concrete reforms.

An annex to the letter outlines eight key recommendations, including:

Full protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression, assembly, privacy, and participation in public life.

The repeal of legislation seen as discriminatory, including laws on foreign influence and so-called family protection measures.

Alignment of Georgia’s visa policy with EU standards, particularly regarding countries linked to irregular migration or security threats.

Tighter controls to prevent unfounded asylum claims and illegal stays in EU member states.

Establishment of an Asset Recovery Office and measures for tracing and confiscating illicit assets.

Adoption of a new anti-corruption strategy with a focus on high-level prosecutions.

Amendments to the Anti-Corruption Bureau law to guarantee its independence and neutrality.

Reform of personal data protection laws to bring them in line with EU norms.

The letter was also addressed to Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Gela Geladze, and the EU Ambassador to Georgia.