BRUSSELS – European Union foreign ministers have approved the suspension of visa-free travel for Georgian officials holding diplomatic passports, following the violent suppression of pro-EU protests in Georgia.
The decision, confirmed by two diplomats to Reuters on Monday, specifically targets Georgian politicians while sparing ordinary citizens. The move comes amid tensions after Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party declared victory in an October election that the opposition alleges was marred by fraud. The unrest intensified after the government announced in November that EU accession talks would be suspended until 2028, sparking widespread protests that were met with a heavy-handed crackdown.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the bloc’s support for Georgian civil society during the ministers’ meeting. “It is in the hands of the Georgian people to really get this right,” she said, highlighting the EU’s redirection of funds to civil organizations in Georgia. This suspension marks a significant diplomatic signal, urging the Georgian government to reconsider its approach to democratic reforms and EU aspirations.