EU considers harsher measures against Georgia

The European Union is exploring the possibility of imposing further measures on Georgia, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels.

She noted that the situation in Georgia is becoming increasingly serious, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

“Of course, today we will also address the situation in Georgia. It is becoming increasingly serious. A visa ban for diplomats has been in effect since March 6. We will consider what additional measures are necessary. The Georgian government is not moving in the right direction,” Kallas said.

EU institutions and multiple European Parliament resolutions have sharply criticised Georgia for democratic backsliding and violations of fundamental rights, highlighting contested elections, restrictions on civil society, and controversial new laws that undermine political pluralism.

The European Commission’s visa‑suspension mechanism review found that Georgia is breaching key commitments underpinning its visa‑free regime with the EU, leading Brussels to activate temporary restrictions on Georgian officials’ travel.

EU member states and officials have discussed halting Georgia’s EU accession process and possible targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for undermining democratic standards, with debates continuing at the Council level.

International election observers and EU bodies have noted erosion of judicial independence and shrinking civic space, which are central to the bloc’s concerns about Georgia’s compliance with EU values.

By Jeyhun Aghazada