Several European Union (EU) countries are calling for sanctions against Georgia, including suspending visa-free travel, in response to the country’s new “foreign agents” law.
This law, similar to one in Russia, requires media and rights groups receiving foreign funding to register with the government.
Four EU nations propose sanctions
Foreign ministers from Estonia, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and Sweden want to discuss restrictive measures against Georgia at their meeting next week.
They are considering revoking visa-free travel to the EU for Georgians, implementing targeted sanctions, and freezing EU funds.
Officials say European countries are considering different measures to pressure the Georgian government.
The controversial law in Georgia is similar to a Russian law that restricts media and human rights organizations. It requires groups receiving foreign funding to register with the government.
The EU has warned Georgia that this law could hurt its chances of joining the EU and might push the country closer to Russia’s influence.
Georgian Dream Party defends law, decries “blackmail”
Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has promised to pass the law soon despite international pressure.
The party claims the law is needed to stop NGOs from trying to “start a revolution.”
They also accused some politicians of using “blackmail” after hearing that members of the U.S. Congress wanted sanctions.
However, tens of thousands of Georgians have been protesting the law, waving EU flags in the streets.
Some EU diplomats are concerned that suspending visa-free travel could hurt the wrong people.
“You have to be careful not to target the wrong people,” said one diplomat to the Financial Times.
Georgians enjoyed visa-free travel
For over seven years, Georgians have been able to travel to the EU without visas as part of the EU’s eastern neighborhood outreach.
Georgia applied for EU membership after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and was granted candidate status that year.
However, talks about joining the EU have not started because Georgia needs to make certain reforms, which the “foreign agents” law goes against.
Some people, like Ketevan Chachava, the head of a Tbilisi-based NGO, believe that sanctions against government officials are justified but suspending visa-free travel would be “unjust” and “counterproductive” because it would hurt regular Georgians.
She said that Georgians are the ones who least deserve to be punished.
Georgian officials: visa-free stays
Even though the EU Parliament has suggested revising the visa-free agreement and some member states support suspending it, some Georgian officials think it is unlikely to happen.
Vice Prime Minister Tea Tsulukiani said there are too many steps needed for the EU to take such action.
Maka Botchorishvili, Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s European Integration Committee, also said a suspension is unlikely because it would need approval from all EU countries.
She mentioned that Georgia earned the visa-free agreement by making important reforms.
However, these arguments might not ease the worries in Brussels about Georgia’s declining democracy.
Georgians’ European dreams possibly on hold
If the EU suspends visa-free travel for Georgians, it could have significant effects on those wanting to visit or move to Europe.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), a pre-travel authorization system starting in mid-2025, would no longer be required for Georgians if the visa waiver is revoked.
This means that all Georgians would revert to applying for a Schengen visa for short-term stays in the EU.
Families, investors, and long-term travelers from Georgia might face even bigger challenges. Getting visas and residency permits could become harder and take more time.
The uncertainty about Georgia’s relationship with the EU might also discourage some from pursuing their dreams in Europe.
Ripple effects on EU migration policies
The situation in Georgia could affect EU immigration policies.
As the EU worries about democratic decline and foreign influence in nearby countries, it might become more careful about migration from countries that seem to be moving away from European values.
This could lead to stricter screening processes, more requirements for visa and residency applicants, or even limits on certain types of immigrants.
While the exact changes are not clear yet, the events in Georgia show that political issues can greatly impact how people move across borders.
Georgia’s pivotal moment with EU
As Georgia continues to implement the controversial “foreign agents” law despite months of protests and warnings from the EU, the possibility of sanctions becomes more likely.
The next few weeks will be crucial in deciding the future of Georgia’s relationship with the EU and its ongoing efforts to join Europe.