**Georgia’s Visa-Free Regime in Jeopardy: PM Kobakhidze Downplays Concerns**
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has attempted to calm concerns over the potential suspension of the EU’s visa-free regime with Georgia. Speaking on a late-night interview, he claimed that suspending the regime would only mean people waiting in line for visas again.
**Economic Concerns Ahead**
Kobakhidze also expressed economic concerns, stating that the visa-free regime encourages migration. He argued that if the regime were suspended, many more Georgian citizens would remain in the country, leading to a growth in the workforce and faster economic development.
**Not All Georgians Agree**
However, not everyone agrees with Kobakhidze’s assessment. Observers have noted that visa-free travel has been one of Georgia’s key achievements, with benefits extending far beyond tourism, boosting economic and labor exchange, improving access to healthcare for Georgians, and strengthening ties among families separated by economic migration.
**The EU Speaks Out**
The European Commission has warned Georgia that it must address eight recommendations, including the repeal of legislation cracking down on civil society and LGBT rights. If these recommendations are not met, the bloc may suspend visa-free travel, a move that would be seen as a major blow to Georgia’s relations with the EU.
**A Pragmatic Decision?**
Kobakhidze has expressed hope that the EU will make a pragmatic decision to maintain the visa-free regime for Georgia. However, it remains to be seen whether the bloc will take this route or follow through on its warning to suspend travel privileges.
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