End Visa-Free Travel for Georgia
In a significant move, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently urged EU nations to suspend visa-free travel for Georgia. In particular, he cited democratic issues and a surge in migration.
Tusk’s remarks follow months of unease between the European Union and Georgia. Consequently, Poland believes that Georgia’s recent actions go against EU principles.
However, Tusk has emphasized that the call to suspend visa-free travel for Georgia does not target regular Georgian citizens. To clarify, it rather aims to hold the Georgian government accountable.
Nevertheless, many view the proposal as overly uncompromising. Hence, the call has stirred public debate across EU member countries.
Visa-Free Suspension Opposition
On June 12, EU Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński responded to the proposal. Specifically, he said that most EU member states oppose the idea.
He emphasized that collective punishment would harm innocent Georgian citizens. Moreover, he noted that only Georgia’s diplomatic passport holders currently face restrictions.
“We don’t want to make ordinary people pay for the decisions made by their government,” Herczyński said.
Consequently, the ambassador’s comments helped clarify the EU’s broader stance. Generally, most countries support maintaining engagement with Georgian citizens.
End to Georgia Visa-Free Privileges
Earlier, on March 28, 2017, Georgia gained visa-free access to the EU. Since then, millions of Georgians have traveled to the Schengen Area.
However, the country’s democratic trajectory has raised alarms. In fact, recently passed laws on foreign agents and media have sparked mass protests.
Furthermore, the EU already suspended visa-free access for Georgian diplomats due to concerns over rule-of-law violations.
Despite these setbacks, public support for EU integration remains strong in Georgia. Overall, they still view visa-free travel as a symbol of progress.
Georgia Reacts
Georgia’s government quickly condemned Tusk’s remarks. In particular, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called them “blackmail” and unfair to the Georgian people.
Furthermore, he said the proposal represented political pressure, not constructive dialogue. Officials of the conservative and populist Georgian Dream political party echoed that sentiment, accusing Poland of bias.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders took a different stance. Specifically, they blamed the Georgian government for isolating the country through authoritarian practices. Even so, they urged the EU not to punish citizens for their leaders’ decisions.
What This Means for Georgia’s EU Path
The EU’s mixed signals put Georgia in a difficult position. On one hand, it faces calls for reform. On the other, it receives diplomatic support.
Importantly, EU countries’ rejecting visa suspension sends the message that citizens should not bear the cost of politics.
Going forward, Brussels may consider targeted measures. These could include sanctions on officials or expanded travel restrictions for elites.
For now, ordinary Georgians retain their ability to travel freely.
Conclusion
Despite Poland’s strong push, the EU remains cautious. Overall, most member states favor preserving Georgia’s visa-free regime for now.
This stance supports long-term engagement. Simultaneously, it signals growing impatience with Tbilisi’s democratic setbacks.
Looking ahead, Georgia’s choices in the coming months may determine the future of its EU aspirations.
