EU’s Kallas: visa-free regime and sanctions on table amid Georgia’s 'serious backsliding'

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas warned that Georgia’s deepening democratic decline may result in serious consequences, including the suspension of its visa-free regime with the EU, sanctions, and other measures aimed at influencing the Georgian government’s actions.

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, Kallas confirmed that the ministers had evaluated the bloc’s support for Georgian civil society and discussed a range of potential responses to what she described as increasingly severe anti-democratic developments by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

“We see some serious backsliding in Georgia and we will discuss what more we can do,” Kallas said.
“There are all options on the table, including suspension of the visa-free regime and other elements that could make the Georgian government change the calculus.”

She added that a letter would be sent to Georgian authorities today regarding the visa-free regime, reminding them of the conditions they must meet to maintain this privilege. Failure to comply within the designated timeline would lead to suspension.

In response to questions, Kallas confirmed the EU had proposed a targeted sanctions list, which notably includes two Georgian judges. She cited disproportionate prison sentences against young protesters as evidence that Georgia’s judicial system is complicit in anti-democratic actions.

“Yes, we have proposed a list, because we see these sentences for young protesters being really, really out of proportion...It is clear that the judicial system is also part of the apparatus… so yes, there are two judges in the sanctions package,” she stated.