
The European Commission has written to Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Maka Botchorishvili, expressing serious concerns about the country’s recent actions that may violate human rights and EU values. Since 2017, Georgian citizens have benefited from visa-free travel to the EU’s Schengen Area, but this could be at risk.
In its Seventh Visa Suspension Mechanism Report (adopted on December 6, 2024), the Commission noted serious violations of fundamental rights and freedoms in Georgia, including issues related to discrimination and the treatment of LGBTIQ individuals. It called for:
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Repealing the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence
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Withdrawing the legislative package on “family values and protection of minors”
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Amending the national human rights strategy to ensure full protection for LGBTIQ rights
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Reforming the Anti-Corruption Bureau law to guarantee independence and neutrality
Because of the lack of progress, in January 2025, the EU partially suspended its Visa Facilitation Agreement with Georgia. As a result, 12 EU countries now require visas for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders, and more countries are expected to follow.
The Commission requested an update from Georgia on the implementation of these recommendations and warned that continued non-compliance may lead to activating the visa suspension mechanism for all Georgian citizens.
The letter ends with a call for constructive cooperation and a reminder of the EU’s commitment to a strong, values-based relationship with Georgia.
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16/07/2025