The European Commission has reiterated that the EU's visa suspension mechanism is a horizontal measure that applies uniformly to all countries benefiting from visa-free travel to the European Union. This clarification comes amid growing concerns over human rights issues in Georgia.

Speaking on the matter, European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert stated:

“We have raised concerns about serious breaches of fundamental rights and freedoms in Georgia, and we have also issued recommendations regarding the visa-free regime. The Commission will assess the measures taken by Georgia and their compliance with the recommendations in the context of the next visa suspension report.”

Lammert emphasized that while the mechanism is not country-specific, the newly adopted rules—endorsed earlier this week by the European Parliament—expand the grounds under which visa waivers can be suspended. These new provisions include not only issues such as irregular migration and lack of cooperation on readmission, but also broader concerns like:

Misalignment of visa policies

Investor-citizenship (so-called “golden passport”) schemes

Hybrid threats and manipulation of migration

Deterioration of relations with the EU, including serious violations of fundamental freedoms and international legal standards

“The new rules will allow for swifter and more decisive action when it comes to visa suspension,” Lammert noted. “But again, this is a horizontal measure that applies to all countries that have a visa-free regime with the EU.”

The final step before the rules take effect is formal approval by the Council of the European Union.