Gigi Gigiadze, diplomat and Senior Researcher at the Economic Policy Research Center, warns that the suspension of Georgia’s visa - free travel regime with the EU is now a very real and serious threat. In an interview with BMG, Gigiadze assessed recent remarks by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who confirmed that his government is working with other EU member states to suspend visa liberalization for Georgian citizens.
While the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, recently stated that the majority of EU countries remain opposed to such a move, Gigiadze emphasized that the tone and substance of recent European statements signal a shift toward action.
“The suspension of visa liberalization is being seriously considered in the EU. This is not the first time such warnings have been issued in recent months,” said Gigiadze. “Tusk’s statement suggests that Europe is now actively working to gather the necessary votes to trigger the suspension mechanism.”
Under current EU rules, a simple majority - 15 out of 27 EU member states - is enough to temporarily suspend visa-free travel for up to nine months, which could be extended if concerns are not addressed.
“The rhetoric and actions of the Georgian Dream government - its anti-European, anti-Western positioning - are increasing the risk of suspension,” Gigiadze said. “And the consequences of this would be devastating.”
According to the diplomat, the loss of visa-free travel, which Georgia has enjoyed since 2017, would mark the biggest setback in Georgia’s relationship with the EU.
“This is not just a political issue - it directly affects every citizen. Freedom of movement in the EU is one of our country’s most valuable achievements, and we risk losing it,” he stressed.
Gigiadze called on the government to reverse its current course immediately by:
- Holding free, fair, and transparent parliamentary elections,
- Releasing political prisoners,
- Ending pressure on independent media, and
- Restoring constructive relations with the EU and the broader West.
“People need to understand what the end of visa-free travel means,” Gigiadze warned. “Applying for a Schengen visa is a long, complex, and often humiliating process - standing in lines, facing rejections, delays - it will directly hurt students, entrepreneurs, and all those who rely on Europe for work, study, or business.”
He concluded by underscoring the urgency:
“If visa liberalization is suspended, it would be a massive loss, not only symbolically, but practically - especially for those who have used this freedom to connect with Europe, build businesses, or pursue opportunities abroad. We are dangerously close to that point.”
