EC President responds to Georgian opposition: Visa-free travel suspension could apply to all Georgian citizens if officials continue democratic backsliding, human rights violations

“The European Union will continue its efforts to ensure a democratic and stable European future for the Georgian people. We continue to call on all political actors in Georgia to work towards achieving this goal. In response to the negative developments seen in Georgia in recent months, the European Union has acted decisively and has called on the Georgian authorities to release all journalists, activists and individuals who have been unjustly detained,” reads the letter of Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, addressed to the Georgian opposition representatives.

According to the EC President, the European Council partially suspended visa-free travel for Georgian citizens holding diplomatic and service passports.

“In response to the negative developments seen in Georgia in recent months, the European Union has acted decisively and has called on the Georgian authorities to release all journalists, activists and individuals who have been unjustly detained. We have expressed concern over electoral irregularities, violence against peaceful protesters, the adoption of repressive legislation and the instrumentalisation of the judiciary for political repression. These actions run counter to the European Union’s fundamental values and principles.

In response to recent developments, the Commission has taken a number of measures, including suspending bilateral financial assistance to the Georgian government and downgrading the level of political contacts. In addition, following a proposal by the Commission, the European Council partially suspended visa-free travel for Georgian citizens holding diplomatic and service passports. Georgia’s EU accession process has effectively been put on hold, as the European Council concluded in June and October 2024,” reads the letter.

Ursula von der Leyen writes that Georgia has regressed further in key criteria of governance, rule of law, visa compliance, and the fight against corruption. She noted that the EU has taken some steps.

“In its latest Visa Suspension Mechanism report, published on 19 December 2025, the Commission concluded that Georgia had further backslid on key benchmarks related to governance, the rule of law, visa alignment and anti-corruption efforts — all of which form the basis for visa-free travel. Given what it described as the systemic and deliberate nature of this regression, the Commission has launched procedures to consider additional measures under the revised Visa Suspension Mechanism.

Under the updated rules, the first stage of suspension applies to holders of diplomatic, service and official passports issued by the Georgian authorities, ensuring uniform implementation across all EU member states. At a second stage, the suspension could be extended to the entire population if Georgian officials continue democratic backsliding and human rights violations.

EU member states are discussing possible additional measures concerning Georgia. Although they have not yet reached a consensus on sanctions, discussions continue on holding accountable those responsible for democratic backsliding and human rights violations. All EU sanctions decisions require unanimous agreement among member states.

The European Union remains committed to supporting democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law in Georgia. Please be assured that the EU continues to stand firmly with the Georgian people and their aspiration for a European future,” reads the letter.

Georgian opposition representatives sent a letter to Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President. The signatories are Zurab Girchi Japaridze, Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Levan Khabeishvili, Elene Khoshtaria, Irakli Okruashvili and Givi Targamadze.