Ruling party Sec-Gen accuses EU of using visa-free regime as ‘tool of blackmail’

Kakha Kaladze, the Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party and incumbent Tbilisi Mayor, has accused the European Union of turning the benefits of European integration into a “weapon” against the Georgian people, amid speculation that Brussels could suspend the country’s visa-free travel regime.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Kaladze said recent EU criticism of Georgia was “unfair” and politically motivated, claiming it was not the first time that Brussels had sought to pressure Tbilisi.

“The only weapon they have left is visa liberalisation, and this is being used for blackmail,” he said. “How is transparency - knowing where money for parties, media or attempted coups comes from - against European values?”

He added that earlier, Georgia had been “blackmailed” with its EU candidate status, which he said was withheld because the country did not join sanctions against Russia or open what he described as a “second front” in the war in Ukraine.

Kaladze also claimed that Georgian leaders had faced direct pressure from foreign partners to involve the country in the conflict. “There was direct blackmail and threats in the prime minister’s office to open a second front, with promises of full support. We have evidence, and if necessary, it will be published,” he pledged.

Despite his criticism, the mayor insisted that Georgia had met all obligations under its Association Agreement with the EU and remained committed to joining the bloc. “If you want to open accession talks – we are ready. If you want to admit us – we are ready,” he said.

Brussels has not yet formally announced any decision on Georgia’s visa-free travel regime, which has been in place since 2017.