EU Suspends Visa-Free Travel for Georgian Diplomats Amid Rising Tensions
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
On December 16, Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, announced that EU ministers had decided to suspend visa liberalization for Georgian diplomatic passport holders. Speaking after the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Kallas condemned the violence against demonstrators in Georgia and emphasized that the suspension was a "symbolic" first step in addressing the situation.
Kallas expressed concern over Georgia's political direction, stating, "Democracies do not oppress opposition voices or curtail the freedom of media." She criticized the ruling party's actions, revealing that the EU had "downgraded political contacts and cut funding for the Georgian government."
Highlighting the council's response, Kallas said, "Today we agreed the need to hold the visa-free regime for diplomatic passport holders, and the Commission will make a proposal already this year. We also discussed sanctioning Georgian officials responsible for violence against peaceful protesters." She added that the EU would redirect funding from the government to civil society, independent media, and Georgian citizens.
During the Q&A session, Kallas noted that discussions among EU ministers had been "very intense," with some advocating stronger measures and others urging caution. Talks on sanctions against Georgian officials stalled due to the unanimous consent required among all 27 member states.
Despite this, Kallas reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting the Georgian people, emphasizing that their future must be decided by the people themselves. She stated that the visa suspension was an initial step toward accountability, signaling the EU's readiness to take further action if necessary.
