Georgia’s visa-free travel to EU “not under threat”, says Georgian Parliament official

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Committee on European Integration of the Georgian Parliament, on Tuesday downplayed concerns regarding the potential suspension of visa-free travel to the European Union, stating he doesn't expect any “substantiated evidence” in a letter sent by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Makhashvili's comments came after Kallas indicated that the EU was observing “serious backsliding” in Georgia and was considering all options, including the suspension of visa-free travel, if certain conditions are not met within a specific timeframe.

The Parliament official noted that the Georgian Government was ready for dialogue, but the conversation should not be about coercion, but based on specific arguments about where problems exist and what the Government can do, rather than “twisting arms”.

Makhashvili firmly asserted that visa-free travel itself was not in danger.

“There are always states that try to use this issue as a political weapon and blackmail, but this issue is not under any threat”, he continued.

He assured that the Government would do everything to prevent any questions from arising on the matter.

“Regarding the letter mentioned by Kaja Kallas, there is nothing new here either; presumably, it refers to the report published by the European Commission in December concerning the implementation of visa liberalisation. At that time, several issues were mentioned that Georgia needed to address”, Makhashvili noted.

“These included transparency, the repeal of laws against LGBT propaganda, as well as issues related to the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The letter will likely focus on these issues. The letter will arrive, we will see it, study it, and make the appropriate decision”, he continued.

Makhashvili said that the foundation for implementing visa liberalisation was solid.

“The foundation for implementing visa liberalisation is solid; the main base necessary to protect this issue - meaning security - is strong. We are ready for dialogue, but the conversation should not be about coercion; we need to talk with specific arguments about where the problem lies and what the Government can do. We will do everything to ensure that this issue does not face any real threat”, Makhashvili concluded.