The report of the European Commission positively evaluates the cooperation with Georgia and the steps taken regarding the visa-free travel regime, said Maka Botchorishvili, the parliamentary European Integration Committee chair.

According to Maka Botchorishvili, Georgia is a leading country with its taken steps. Georgia continues to work with the EU institutions, considering the EU’s recommendations.

“Georgia is recognized as a safe country every year, reducing the chances of ungrounded asylum seekers being granted asylum in EU countries,” she said.

On October 18, the European Commission published the sixth report on the Visa Liberalisation fulfilment criteria.

According to the report, “Overall, Georgia continues to fulfil the visa liberalisation benchmarks and has taken action to address the Commission’s previous recommendations.”

The issues that should be addressed further include:

1. Align Georgia’s visa policy with the EU’s list of visa-required third countries, in particular with regard to countries presenting irregular migration or security risks to the EU;

2. Step up action to address the unfounded asylum applications issue and irregular stays in Member States.