The European Commission has officially proposed suspending the visa-free travel agreement for Georgian officials, according to a statement from the Commission’s press service.
“Today, the European Commission proposes to suspend part of the Agreement between the EU and Georgia on the facilitation of visa issuance,” the statement reads.
If the EU Council adopts this proposal, Georgian diplomats, officials, and their family members holding diplomatic or official passports will need to obtain visas for short-term trips to the EU lasting up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Simplifications previously provided under the agreement, such as reduced application processing times, lower visa fees, and fewer supporting document requirements, will no longer apply to holders of Georgian diplomatic and official passports.
“We will continue to support the Georgian people on their path to the EU. Sanctions against Georgia are also on the table, and we will continue discussing additional measures,” stated EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas.
The European Commission emphasized that this decision would not negatively impact people-to-people contacts, as Georgian citizens with regular passports will continue to enjoy visa-free travel for short-term visits to the EU.
