Georgia pushes back against "blackmail" as EU tightens visa-free access

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed concerns regarding the European Union’s decision to strengthen the mechanism for suspending the visa-free regime, clarifying that the move affects all countries currently benefiting from visa-free entry, and is not specifically directed at Georgia.

Kobakhidze responded to the EU's plans to tighten the suspension mechanism, which will make it easier for Brussels to revoke visa-free access for citizens of 61 countries, including Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, and all Western Balkan nations seeking EU membership. The decision, expected to take effect in 2025, according to Radio Liberty editor Rikard Jozwiak, Caliber.Az reports citing Georgian media.

“The decision related to the simplification of the visa liberalization procedure concerns 61 countries on equal terms, as stated in the official statement. This decision was not taken with regard to Georgia, though certain forces may have attempted to speculate on it,” Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister also emphasized that Georgia, as an independent and sovereign nation, should not be subjected to undue pressure or blackmail, labeling such tactics as relics of the Soviet era. His comments come as part of Georgia’s continued efforts to navigate its relationship with the EU and maintain its position on the international stage.

Since March 28, 2017, Georgian citizens holding biometric passports have been permitted to enter EU member states for short-term tourist and business visits without a visa, for a duration of up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

However, on January 27, the Council of the European Union enacted a partial suspension of this visa-free arrangement, specifically targeting holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports. This measure was introduced in direct response to the Georgian government's enactment of the 2024 Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence and the Law on Protecting Family Values and Minors, which includes provisions banning what it terms as "LGBT propaganda."

The European Union has expressed concern that these legislative measures undermine core democratic principles and fundamental human rights, particularly those of the Georgian population.

Despite the suspension, individuals holding diplomatic and service passports may still enter EU countries using their ordinary biometric passports, thereby retaining access to the broader visa-free regime afforded to regular Georgian citizens.

By Vafa Guliyeva