**EU Puts Brakes on Georgia’s Visa-Free Travel**
The European Parliament has made it clear that Georgia can’t join the EU until its government changes its ways. In a recent social media post, the EU’s top legislative body said that Georgia’s “EU path is effectively suspended” because of unfair elections and authoritarian rule.
This decision comes as Georgia’s visa-free travel with the EU has become a hot topic. The EU Commission warned that if eight recommendations aren’t met, visa-free travel will be suspended. These recommendations include repealing laws targeting civil society and LGBT rights, strengthening anti-corruption efforts, and safeguarding fundamental freedoms.
**A Blow to Georgia’s Progress**
Visa-free travel is one of Georgia’s key achievements. It has boosted tourism, economic exchange, and access to healthcare for Georgians. But now, this progress is at risk due to the government’s unwillingness to change its ways.
Forty-two Georgian civil society organizations (CSOs) have blamed the Ivanishvili government for possible visa suspension. They say that the government’s actions are to blame, not the EU’s warnings.
**A Qualified Majority**
Unlike most EU foreign policy decisions, suspending visa-free travel doesn’t require all 27 member states to agree. Instead, a qualified majority of at least 15 out of 27 countries with 65% of the population can approve the move.
The EU has already suspended visa-free travel for diplomatic travel holders. In June, Georgian MP Kobakhidze admitted that he had to use a visa to travel to one of the European countries, but didn’t specify which country.
**A Warning from Diplomats**
Outgoing French Ambassador Sheraz Gasri emphasized that mutual respect is essential to protect mutual benefits. She noted that suspending visa-free travel is a pre-agreed procedure when commitments are broken.
The EU’s top diplomat in Georgia also warned that full visa suspension may follow if issues remain unresolved. The government has until the end of summer to report back on its progress.
**A Message from Observers**
Observers have noted that visa-free travel has been one of Georgia’s key achievements, boosting economic and labor exchange, improving access to healthcare for Georgians, and strengthening ties among families separated by economic migration.
As one observer put it, “The full responsibility for possible visa suspension lies with the [Bidzina] Ivanishvili government.”
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