The European Commission has proposed suspending visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials in response to the violent crackdown on protests that have been ongoing in Georgia for weeks, to denounce the ruling party’s gradual turn away from Europe and towards Russia, Euronews reported.
“Visa simplifications, such as shorter application times, reduced visa fees and the requirement to submit fewer supporting documents, will also no longer apply to Georgian holders of diplomatic and official passports,” the Commission said in a press release.
The implementation of the measure will depend on national authorities in a spirit of “sincere cooperation,” the executive said, in what appears to be a warning to Hungary and Slovakia.
Georgians have enjoyed visa-free travel to the bloc since 2017 as part of a strategic approach to deepening ties with its eastern neighbors that also includes Moldova and Ukraine. As a result, Georgian citizens can enter the Schengen area and stay there for 90 days without the need to obtain a visa.