EU Threatens to Suspend Georgia’s Visa-Free Travel if Democratic Principles Are Violated.
The European Union has reached an agreement to suspend Georgia’s visa-free travel if democratic principles, including free elections, are compromised during the country’s parliamentary elections on October 26. This decision indicates that the EU is prepared to take action if violations occur.
Consultations with the foreign ministries of EU member states have already been completed. The suspension of visa-free travel does not require unanimous consent from all EU member countries, as 15 nations’ agreement is enough to enact the measure.
While sanctions against Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, have been consistently blocked by Hungary, this particular move bypasses such barriers due to the voting rules that govern visa suspensions.
U.S. Expands Sanctions Over Concerns About Georgia’s Democracy
In a parallel development, the U.S. has imposed additional visa restrictions on 60 individuals for actions that, according to the State Department, are “undermining Georgia’s democracy.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concern over human rights violations and anti-democratic actions occurring in the country.
Georgian Prime Minister Optimistic About Relations with the West
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is attempting to reassure the public, asserting that relations with Western nations will improve in the coming year. Kobakhidze expressed optimism that the war in Ukraine could end next year, which he believes would help normalize Georgia’s relations with its Western partners.
“We have certain challenges in our relations with partners, but I believe once the war in Ukraine ends, all problems will be resolved,” Kobakhidze said. He linked the improvement in international relations to Georgia’s economic development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong ties with Western allies.
U.S. Sanctions Target Georgian Officials and Pro-Russian Figures
The U.S. Treasury Department has levied sanctions on several Georgian officials, including the head of Georgia’s special forces, Zviad Kharazishvili, and his deputy, Mileri Lagazauri. These individuals, along with leaders of the pro-Russian movement Alt-Info, have been targeted for their role in undermining democracy and their involvement in violent actions against opponents of the controversial “foreign agents” law.
Both Kharazishvili and Lagazauri have been added to the Magnitsky List, a U.S. sanctions program targeting individuals accused of human rights violations. The U.S. government has stated that any assets these individuals hold in the U.S. or in territories under U.S. jurisdiction will be frozen.
Conclusion
As Georgia approaches a crucial parliamentary election, both the EU and the U.S. are closely monitoring the political situation. With the EU threatening to revoke visa-free travel and the U.S. imposing further sanctions on Georgian officials, the country faces increasing international scrutiny over its commitment to democratic principles. Prime Minister Kobakhidze remains hopeful that Georgia’s strained relations with its Western partners will improve once the Ukraine conflict ends, but the pressure from abroad continues to mount.