Ambassador Fischer: Uncertainty surrounds Georgia’s visa-free status with EU

Germany’s Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, expressed concerns about the future of visa liberalization between Georgia and the Schengen Area. Fischer emphasized that while Germany welcomes the free movement of Georgian citizens within the Schengen Zone, the future remains uncertain due to ongoing developments.

He mentioned that decisions by the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council and the European Council have left all options on the table. Fischer highlighted that Germany has no desire to halt visa-free travel and values Georgia as a partner. He reiterated that the Schengen Zone remains open for Georgian students, tourists, and all those wishing to visit.

However, he also stressed that the future of EU-Georgia relations depends on how events unfold. Fischer underscored the importance of the upcoming October 26 elections in Georgia, noting that they are a decision for the Georgian people, but emphasized the EU’s role in pointing out what would benefit Georgia’s EU membership aspirations.
He concluded by warning that there is significant concern within the German Bundestag about the potential risk to the 30-year partnership between Georgia and the EU, given current political developments in Georgia.

„You are highly valued. So, everything will depend on how events unfold. The European Union is a partner of Georgia and has been a very good partner for 30 years. Germany is a member state of the European Union. We are the largest member state. We have also been very good partners with Georgia for 30 years, and we would like to continue this, but the partnership is mutual,” the Ambassador stated.