Kaja Kallas: EU suspends visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the suspension of visa-free travel for Georgian officials holding diplomatic and service passports. The decision, made during the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, comes as a response to the deteriorating democratic situation in Georgia.

“Democracies do not suppress opposition voices or restrict media freedom,” Kallas stated during a press conference following the council meeting. “We agreed to suspend the visa-free regime for holders of diplomatic and service passports. The European Commission will present the proposal by the end of this year.”

Kallas added that the EU is also considering sanctions against Georgian officials involved in the violent crackdown on peaceful protests. She emphasized that the EU’s support for the Georgian people will continue, including redirecting financial assistance from the government to civil society, independent media, and grassroots initiatives.

“We are standing with the Georgian people as they determine their future. While many EU member states expressed a desire for stronger actions, including sanctions, such measures require unanimous agreement from all 27 member states, which we currently lack. Nonetheless, the suspension of visa-free travel is a significant first step,” Kallas said.

She reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting democracy and civil society in Georgia, underscoring the bloc’s readiness to take additional measures should the situation worsen.