The European Union is weighing possible measures against Georgia, including the suspension of its visa-free travel regime, in response to what Brussels sees as serious democratic backsliding in the country.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said that the situation in Georgia is of deep concern to the bloc.
“We see some serious backsliding in Georgia, and we will discuss what more we can do,” Kallas stated. “There are all options on the table, including suspension of the visa-free regime and other elements that could make the Georgian government change its calculus.”
She also confirmed that a formal letter will be sent to the Georgian authorities regarding the visa-free regime. “What we will have today is a letter sent to Georgia also regarding the visa-free regime, so they have certain conditions that they had to comply with. And if these conditions are not met within that deadline, then we will have to suspend the visa-free regime,” Kallas added.
The visa-free travel arrangement, in place since 2017, allows Georgian citizens to enter the Schengen Area for short stays without a visa.
The move comes just days after a joint statement was issued on 11 July 2025 by the foreign ministers of 18 European countries — including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom — along with the EU High Representative, expressing deep concern over the “deteriorating situation in Georgia.”
“We strongly condemn the recent, politically motivated, imprisonment and detention of the leaders of Georgian opposition, clearly designed to stifle political opposition in Georgia, a few months ahead of the local elections,” the ministers said. They described a pattern of arbitrary arrests and increasing repression of civil society, peaceful protesters, and independent journalists, warning that these developments signal a shift toward authoritarianism, in direct contradiction to European norms and values.
The statement also noted that political repression by Georgian authorities has already led to a significant downgrading of relations with the EU and its member states, including a reduction in assistance and cooperation. The ministers warned they would not hesitate to use available tools — both unilateral and multilateral — if Georgia continues on its current trajectory.
