**Georgian Dream Speaker Slams EU Over Visa-Free Travel Threats**
The speaker of Georgia’s parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has strongly criticized the European Union over its threats to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian citizens. Papuashvili accused the EU of using visa-free travel as a “tool of political pressure and blackmail,” and said that this was an outdated method.
Papuashvili’s comments came after German Ambassador Peter Fischer described visa-free travel as a “privilege” that should be valued. However, Papuashvili took issue with what he called the ambassador’s “arrogant tone” and suggested that visa-free travel was not a privilege, but rather a right.
**The Visa-Free Travel Regime**
Georgian citizens have enjoyed visa-free travel to the EU since 2017, which has been seen as one of the most tangible benefits of the country’s path toward European integration. However, the EU has warned that the suspension of the visa-free regime is on the table due to growing concerns about democratic backsliding and repression under the Georgian Dream government.
**GD Parliamentarians Respond**
Papuashvili’s comments have been echoed by other members of parliament from his party, who argue that visa-free travel should not be used as a tool for blackmail. They suggest that this approach is unacceptable to them, but has been endorsed by some opposition parties.
**EU Response**
The EU has already taken targeted measures in response to Georgia’s political developments. In January, the Council of the European Union suspended visa-free travel for Georgian officials holding diplomatic and service passports, citing democratic backsliding.
The future of visa-free travel for Georgian citizens appears increasingly shaky in the face of what local and international observers see as the consolidation of the authoritarian regime by the Georgian Dream government.
**EU to Simplify Suspension Mechanism**
With the EU planning to modify its visa suspension mechanism later this year, the possibility of suspension appears more real. The proposed reforms aim to make it easier for Brussels to revoke visa-free travel for citizens of any of the 61 countries currently benefiting from the regime, including Georgia.
The new proposed ground for suspension would be triggered in cases of “serious human rights violations and abuses” or serious breaches of international law and standards.
**What’s Next?**
As the EU seeks to streamline its toolbox for political relations with third countries, the future of visa-free travel for Georgian citizens remains uncertain. The proposal to simplify the suspension mechanism has sparked fears among many Georgians that their country will lose one of its most valuable privileges.
