The European Commission is preparing a formal letter to Georgia, warning of the potential suspension of visa liberalization. This was revealed by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty journalist Rikard Jozwiak, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
"The 🇪🇺 Commission is preparing a letter to 🇬🇪 threatening with visa liberalization suspension. Ultimately, it's 🇪🇺 member states that decide on this via a qualified majority."
— Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) wrote on July 14.
According to Jozwiak, the deadline mentioned in the letter is August 31, giving Georgia a limited window to respond to the EU’s concerns.
This warning comes amid escalating tensions between Brussels and Tbilisi, largely driven by the Georgian government’s recent passage of the controversial "foreign agents" law, which EU officials have described as incompatible with European democratic values.
While the European Commission can initiate the process, the final decision on suspending visa-free travel lies with EU member states, who must vote on the matter using a qualified majority.
Currently, Georgian citizens enjoy 90 days of visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone. A suspension would mark a significant setback for Georgia’s European integration and directly impact Georgian citizens' mobility in Europe.
Further details on the conditions outlined in the Commission’s letter have not yet been made public.
