**EU Not Ready to Suspend Visa-Free Travel for Georgians**
The European Union’s ambassador to Georgia has said that most EU member states are against suspending visa-free travel for Georgian citizens. This comes after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggested that his government was working to limit or suspend the visa-free travel regime for Georgia.
According to Ambassador Pawel Herczynski, the main reason for opposing a suspension is that it would unfairly penalize ordinary Georgian citizens for the actions of their authorities. “We don’t want to make ordinary people pay for the decisions, actions, and legislation that have been enacted in Georgia by the authorities,” he said.
**Visa-Free Travel Still Intact**
The ambassador clarified that visa-free travel remains in place for all Georgian citizens, not just those who hold diplomatic passports. This means that Georgians can still visit EU countries without a visa.
**Polish PM Cites Concerns about Democratic Backsliding and Migration**
Donald Tusk expressed concerns about Georgia’s democratic backsliding and increased migration from the country to Europe. He stated that his government is working to build support within the EU for limiting or suspending visa-free travel for Georgia.
**Georgian Dream Officials Respond with Outrage**
Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze responded to Tusk’s remarks by calling them a “threat” and “blackmail.” He claimed that the EU is using the visa-free issue as a tool of pressure against Georgia.
**EU Relations with Georgia at an All-Time Low**
The deteriorating relations between the EU and Georgia are largely due to the Georgian Dream government’s shift away from the EU in 2024. This included repressive legislation targeting critics, violent crackdowns on pro-EU protests, and a major foreign policy shift.
**Ambassador Optimistic About Georgia’s Future in Europe**
Despite the current tensions, Ambassador Herczynski remains optimistic about Georgia’s future in Europe. He expressed hope that one day Georgia will become an EU member state.
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