**EU Threatens to Suspend Visa-Free Travel for Georgians**
The European Union has warned Georgia’s government that its democratic backsliding will “come at a cost.” EU foreign ministers met in Brussels on July 15 to discuss measures in response to the Georgian Dream government’s repression. The bloc is considering suspending visa-free travel for Georgians, which they have enjoyed since 2017.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said that the foreign ministers “took stock of EU support to civil society, and discussed different options” to address the situation in Georgia. These options include suspending visa-free travel, suspending the Association Agreement, and imposing sanctions on Georgian officials.
Kallas stressed that the Georgian Dream government has obligations to ensure the protection of fundamental rights for all citizens, including freedom of association, assembly, and expression. She noted that the authorities have until August 31 to fulfill these recommendations.
The EU is concerned about the jailing of opposition leaders, which it sees as a breach of democratic principles. Kallas said that the authorities’ failure to comply with these conditions will have consequences for the Georgian people and the credibility of the European Union.
**What are the Consequences?**
If the EU decides to suspend visa-free travel, it would be a significant blow to Georgians who have enjoyed this privilege since 2017. The suspension does not require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states; instead, a qualified majority can approve the move.
The rhetoric from Brussels has intensified in recent days, with Kallas and 18 European foreign ministers issuing a joint statement expressing “deep concern” at the deteriorating situation in Georgia. They called on the Georgian Dream government to reverse its course.
**What’s Next?**
The EU is preparing a letter to the Georgian Dream government, threatening to suspend visa-free travel unless they comply with democratic conditions. The deadline for compliance is August 31. If the government fails to meet these conditions, the EU may impose sanctions on Georgian officials.
In addition to the visa-free travel issue, the EU foreign ministers had a list of 15 Georgian citizens ready for sanctions, including two judges. However, no concrete decisions were made during the meeting.
The situation in Georgia remains tense, with the government facing criticism from Brussels and other international partners. The fate of visa-free travel for Georgians hangs in the balance, as the EU seeks to maintain its credibility and promote democratic values in the region.
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