**EU Ambassador Warns Georgia: Meet Conditions or Risk Losing Visa-Free Travel**
The European Union’s top diplomat in Georgia, Pawel Herczyński, has sent a clear message to the country’s authorities. He says that unless they take immediate action to address concerns about human rights and fundamental freedoms, the visa-free travel regime for Georgian citizens could be lost.
According to Ambassador Herczyński, the EU has given the Georgian government until the end of August to respond and take action on a number of key recommendations. These include repealing repressive legislation, releasing those unfairly detained, and ensuring an open dialogue with the public.
The warnings come as part of a wider EU push for Georgia to respect its commitments under the visa-free agreement. The agreement was signed in 2017, when Georgian nationals were first allowed to travel to Schengen Area countries without visas.
However, since then, human rights concerns have grown in Georgia. The EU has expressed disappointment with the country’s failure to address these issues and has suspended certain provisions of the visa facilitation agreement.
**A Warning: Don’t Lose Visa-Free Travel**
Ambassador Herczyński made it clear that if the Georgian government fails to meet its commitments, there could be serious consequences for all Georgian citizens. The most tangible benefit of EU integration – visa-free travel – could be lost.
“We have already suspended the relevant provisions of the EU-Georgia Visa facilitation agreement,” he said. “A failure to address Commission’s recommendations could lead to further measures, including the EU decision to activate the visa-suspension mechanism.”
**Meeting Conditions**
So what needs to happen? The Ambassador emphasized that it is essential for the Georgian government to take concrete steps to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“Stopping the repression, releasing those unfairly detained, repealing repressive legislation, ensuring an open dialogue is the only way to resolve the ongoing crisis and ensure a return to Georgia’s EU path,” he said.
**No Blackmail**
In response to suggestions that the EU was “blackmailing” Georgia with the choice between visa-free travel and peace and stability, Ambassador Herczyński pointed out that the visa-free regime is granted based on specific conditions being met. The EU has provided major support for Georgia’s stability and prosperity over the years and remains committed to the country’s European aspirations.
“We are not blackmailing anyone,” he said. “One of the reasons to bring Georgia closer to the EU, including through visa-free travel, was precisely to see the difference.”
**The Way Forward**
In conclusion, Ambassador Herczyński emphasized that it is up to the Georgian government to take immediate action and meet its commitments.
“We have time until the end of August,” he said. “Let’s work together to resolve this crisis and ensure a return to Georgia’s EU path.”
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