The European Commission of the European Union (EU) has proposed to suspend the visa-free travel regime for Georgian diplomats and officials in response to the violent crackdown on protesters, who have been taking to the streets of Georgia for weeks to denounce the ruling party's gradual pivot away from Europe and towards Russia, Euronews reports.

The Commission's proposal only requires a qualified majority of member states to be approved, depriving Hungary and Slovakia of veto power.

Asked if the Commission expected Hungary and Slovakia to implement the measure if approved, a spokesperson said: "I cannot reply on behalf of member states but member states will, of course, have to follow this approach."

The scope of the suspension is limited to holders of diplomatic and service passports, meaning only those working for state institutions will need to obtain a visa. Extra facilitations, such as shorter application times, lower fees and the reduction of supporting documents, will no longer apply for them, the Commission explained.

Georgians have enjoyed visa-free travel to the bloc since 2017 as part of a strategic approach to deepen ties with the Eastern neighborhood, which also applied to Moldova and Ukraine. As a result, Georgian nationals can enter the Schengen Area and stay for 90 days without the hassle of applying for a visa.

 

Link: https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/12/20/brussels-moves-to-suspend-visa-free-travel-for-georgian-diplomats-as-protests-continue (reports)