The European Union has proposed stricter visa requirements for Georgian diplomats, officials, and their families. This move is a response to the violent suppression of pro-European demonstrations in Georgia. Should member states agree, Georgian holders of diplomatic passports will need a visa for short stays of up to 90 days in the EU. The foreign ministers of the EU have already reached a consensus on this proposal.
The EU's High Representative, Kaja Kallas, described this measure as a preliminary step, indicating potential further sanctions. Although broader sanctions against Georgian officials, including the Interior Minister, were suggested, they were blocked by Hungary and Slovakia.
The new visa regulations do not require unanimity among EU member states. Instead, a qualified majority of 15 countries representing 65% of the EU population is sufficient. Despite these changes, Georgian citizens can continue to enter the EU visa-free with their regular passports, which also applies to diplomats under certain conditions.
The proposal to tighten visa rules came after the Georgian government announced the suspension of EU accession talks until 2028. This announcement led to protests, marked by violence and arrests, including those of media representatives, actions that were condemned by Brussels.
Furthermore, the UK and the US have imposed sanctions on a group of Georgian officials. The situation has been exacerbated by accusations of election irregularities and police abuses, alongside controversial laws targeting NGOs and LGBTQ+ rights. The EU Commission expressed concerns that Georgia no longer meets all the criteria for visa exemption. The suspension of visa-free travel will ultimately be enforced by national authorities.
