The European Union is Considering Visa Requirements for Georgian Citizens

Radio Free Europe has obtained a document indicating that the European Union, in response to the approval of the 'Foreign Agents' law in Georgia, will once again impose visa requirements for citizens of this country to enter the EU, despite international warnings and domestic protests. The Georgia service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported on Saturday, June 16, that it has seen this document. According to the report, the re-establishment of visa requirements will initially be considered for Georgian government officials and diplomats. However, the document states that in the event of 'further deterioration of the situation,' 'use of violence against protesters,' and 'intimidation, forgery, or major violations in the electoral process,' the EU will propose stricter regulations, including visa requirements for all Georgian citizens. The 'Foreign Agents' law; the Georgian Parliament overturned the President's veto. The EU had lifted visa requirements for Georgian citizens to enter Schengen countries since 2017. This occurred after the five-day war between Georgia and Russia, during which Tbilisi sought to draw closer to the EU. According to the Schengen Agreement signed in 1985, citizens of member countries are allowed free movement within their borders. The Georgia service of Radio Free Europe has also reported that the document simultaneously includes requests for sanctions against senior Georgian government officials and the suspension of financial aid to the country. Georgian officials have not yet commented on Radio Free Europe's request regarding this matter. The Georgian Parliament, which is dominated by the ruling party 'Georgian Dream,' voted last month to overturn President Salome Zourabichvili's veto against this bill. This law requires NGOs and media groups that receive at least 20% of their funding from abroad to register as organizations pursuing 'the interests of a foreign power.' Violating this law can result in a fine of over $9,000. This law is modeled after a similar measure in Russia that was initially adopted in 2012 and has gradually expanded to encompass all civil society groups, human rights activists, and media organizations. This law has led to the closure of dozens of organizations in Russia and forced activists and journalists to flee the country. With the approval of the European Parliament, Georgian citizens can travel to Schengen countries without a visa. Radio Liberty/Radio Free Europe and its Russian-language television network 'Current Time' were designated as 'foreign agents' by the Russian Ministry of Justice in 2017. Radio Liberty closed its Moscow office in 2022. The Georgian Parliament enacted this law despite requests from the EU and several member countries for the 'Georgian Dream' party not to take such action. Weeks of public protests against this law have escalated into violence due to crackdowns by riot police and gangs. This law has also been condemned by the West as it contradicts Georgia's efforts to join the EU and the Western bloc.