EU Council Suspends Parts of Visa Facilitation Agreement with Georgia
Brussels, Belgium – Today, the Council of the European Union announced a significant shift regarding the visa facilitation agreement in place with Georgia. In a move prompted by concerns over Georgia’s adherence to fundamental rights and democratic values, parts of the agreement are to be suspended, which may impose visa requirements on Georgian diplomats and officials traveling to EU member states.
Concerns Over Democratic Values
The suspension arises from alarming developments within Georgia, notably the adoption of a ‘Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence’ and a related legislative package concerning ‘Family Values and Protection of Minors’. These measures have drawn sharp criticism from the EU, which asserts they undermine essential rights such as freedom of association, expression, and the right to privacy. Tomasz Siemoniak, the Polish Minister of the Interior and Administration, voiced the sentiment of EU officials, stating, “Officials that represent a country which tramples down these values should not benefit from easier access to the EU.”
The decision by the Council reflects the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its core values, suggesting that countries failing to uphold these principles risk losing the advantages of integration, including simplified processes for travel.
Impact of the Suspension
As a result of the suspension, specific groups within the Georgian government will be significantly affected. Members of official delegations attending intergovernmental events in EU countries will need to adhere to the standard visa requirements, which include longer application times, increased fees, and a more cumbersome list of necessary documents. This change specifically targets:
- Members of Georgia’s national and regional governments
- Members of the Parliaments of Georgia
- Officials from Georgia’s Constitutional Court and Supreme Court
- Holders of Georgian diplomatic passports
Conversely, Georgian nationals with ordinary passports will continue to enjoy visa-free travel for short stays in the EU, preserving some ease of access for the general populace.
Backdrop of the Decision
This suspension is a reaction not only to troubling legislative changes but also to recent violent crackdowns on peaceful protests in Georgia. Since the government announced on November 28, 2024, that it would halt negotiations regarding EU membership until 2028, tensions have escalated, prompting a reassessment of Georgia’s relationship with the EU.
The facilitation agreement between the EU and Georgia has been in effect since March 1, 2011, designed to ease travel for Georgian citizens wishing to visit EU member states for short stays. The provision that now allows for suspension of the agreement on grounds of public order or national security was included in that original agreement.
Next Steps
With the partial suspension set to take effect, EU member states are empowered to implement their own national measures that could enforce visa requirements for holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports from Georgia.
The EU aims to strengthen its external borders while simultaneously upholding the principles of democracy and human rights it champions. As the situation develops, EU officials will closely monitor the situation in Georgia and its implications for future relations.
For more information on the visa facilitation agreement and updates on EU-Georgia relations, visit the EU Council’s website.
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