EU Ambassador warns Georgia of possible suspension of visa-free travel

EU Ambassador to Georgia,Paweł Herczyński, on Friday indicated that if the situation deteriorates further in Georgia, the EU was prepared to implement various measures, including the temporary suspension of Georgia’s visa-free regime.

The diplomat emphasized that the EU was closely monitoring the situation, particularly in regard to Georgia’s upcoming elections. “We sincerely hope that the electoral process will be peaceful, that there will be no violence, and that the elections will be free and fair,” he stated. However, should these expectations not be met, the EU may resort to using tools at its disposal, one of which is suspending the visa liberalization Georgia currently enjoys.

The Ambassador highlighted that the EU’s leadership, including presidents and prime ministers, has voiced concerns over Georgia’s recent trajectory. Instead of moving closer to the EU through necessary reforms, recent events have caused a setback in relations, he said. The official noted that the EU had already discussed this issue with its member states, and they are ready to take action if the situation escalates.