EU ready to impose visas on Georgia due to democratic backsliding

(Patria) - The European Union is ready to suspend the visa liberalisation agreement with Georgia due to backsliding in democracy and the rule of law.

A European Commission spokesperson told Politico that "all options are on the table" if the ruling party in Georgia continues its authoritarian policies, including a potential suspension of visa liberalisation.

Under the provisions of the 2017 agreement, Georgians can travel to EU and Schengen countries without a visa for six months to one year.

- As part of the agreement between the EU and Georgia on visa liberalisation and the corresponding Action Plan, Georgia was required to meet certain conditions, including the protection of fundamental rights and the prevention of discrimination.

An assessment would, of course, be carried out in the event of developments that pose a risk to the internal security of the Schengen area, as well as further democratic backsliding in Georgia - the spokesperson told Politico.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze assessed that any change to the visa agreement would be a "cheap blackmail".