Opposition member warns Georgia risks losing visa-free EU travel

A member of the Coalition for Change opposition group has warned that Georgia could lose its visa-free travel arrangement with the European Union, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of steering the country closer to Russia.

Speaking on Monday, Giorgi Butikashvili said a final decision on Georgia’s status was expected in December and called on the public and media to defend what he described as the country’s “European future”.

“Georgian Dream does not care whether visa-free travel with the EU will be suspended. It is dragging the country towards Russia - this is its declared intention,” Butikashvili said. “Otherwise, it would have already taken steps to ensure that we did not lose this opportunity.”

The EU granted Georgia visa-free travel in 2017, allowing Georgian citizens to visit the Schengen area for short stays without a visa. Brussels has recently voiced concerns over Georgia’s democratic trajectory and its alignment with EU policies.

Butikashvili urged society and the media to remain vigilant ahead of December’s decision, saying it would determine whether Georgians retain free movement across Europe.