Any negative decision regarding visa-free travel bears the full responsibility of the authorities, stated representatives of non-governmental organizations during a joint briefing.
According to the civil sector’s assessment, visa-free travel with the European Union, which is one of the key guarantees for the free movement of Georgian citizens in European countries, is currently under serious threat.
“The government has failed to implement the recommendations issued by the European Union as early as 2024, which called for the protection of fundamental human rights, the repeal of repressive laws restricting freedoms, and systemic efforts to combat corruption at all levels. Moreover, 2025 has proven even more damaging for Georgia’s European integration. Following the rigged elections of 2024, there are 65 prisoners of conscience in Georgia, additional repressive laws have been adopted, and the persecution of individuals continues to this day.
As is known to the public, the authorities must provide the European Union with information on the situation in Georgia by August 31, 2025. Instead of taking concrete steps to address the dire situation and end the ongoing political crisis in the country, the government is intensifying anti-Western propaganda.
Due to these actions by the authorities, there is a real threat that Georgian citizens may lose the opportunities provided by visa-free travel with the EU: meeting family members, traveling freely, accessing medical treatment, studying, working, and developing within the European space.
Georgia is a member of the European family. Like more than 80% of Georgia’s population, we believe that Georgia’s future lies in the European Union. However, the course chosen by the authorities is undermining this future.
As the EU Ambassador noted, to return to the European path, it is essential to: end repressions, release those unjustly imprisoned, repeal repressive laws, and initiate an open and credible dialogue to overcome the current crisis.
We, Georgian non-governmental organizations, hold the authorities fully responsible for any negative decision regarding visa-free travel and consider it unacceptable to abandon our European future. It is imperative to protect visa-free travel – to protect Georgia’s European path,” the statement from the non-governmental organizations reads.
Non-governmental organizations: The government bears full responsibility for any negative decision regarding visa-free travel
