Diplomat Gia Japaridze says that growing concerns in the European Union about suspending Georgia’s visa-free travel are a natural consequence of the Georgian Dream government’s actions against the country's democratic and international commitments.
In an interview with BMG, Japaridze responded to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s statement that his government is working with other EU member states to halt visa-free access for Georgian citizens. The EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, has also confirmed that the issue has been under discussion for months, though a majority of member states currently oppose revoking visa liberalization.
“Mr. Tusk’s statement wasn’t the first. We’ve heard similar warnings from senior EU officials before,” Japaridze said. “When one party breaks the terms of an agreement—as Georgian Dream has done with both the Association Agreement and visa-liberalization terms—the other party has every right to reconsider it.”
Japaridze warned that ending visa-free travel would have far-reaching consequences for Georgian citizens and businesses.
“Those who export goods or services to the EU could face major setbacks. Families relying on income from relatives working in EU countries will suffer. Students, seasonal workers, and business travelers will all be affected,” he said.
He placed full responsibility on the ruling party: “Georgian Dream is doing everything to jeopardize our ties with the EU. They act in the interest of a single family, not the Georgian people.”
