Most EU Countries Oppose Suspending Visa-Free Travel for Georgia, Says Ambassador

The EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski, has stated that the majority of EU member states are not in favor of suspending visa-free travel for Georgian citizens. Speaking to journalists, Herczynski emphasized that “for the moment, this is not the case,” adding that such a move is not currently under serious consideration by most governments.

He explained that the main reason behind the widespread opposition is a desire not to punish ordinary Georgian citizens for the political decisions made by the country’s leadership.

“I would say that the majority of member states are against it for a very simple reason: we don’t want to make ordinary people pay for the decisions, actions, and legislation that have been enacted in Georgia by the authorities,”
— EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski

Despite this, Poland has taken a different stance. Prime Minister Donald Tusk has made it clear that he intends to gather support from other member states to push forward with suspending visa-free access for Georgians.

Tusk noted that while many Georgian citizens share European values, decisive action is needed in response to recent developments.

“Yes, this is also my intention, in the full knowledge that a third of Georgians are people who would very much like to share our values, but we know what the problem is,”
— Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk

Georgia at Risk of Losing EU Integration Opportunity

Ambassador Herczynski also issued a warning about Georgia’s prospects for EU membership. He expressed concern that, unlike Ukraine and Moldova, Georgia is not making sufficient progress toward integration with the European Union.

“We are making rapid progress with Ukraine and Moldova, but with Georgia, the process has stalled. That is deeply regrettable — and I fear Georgia may lose its historic chance to join the European Union,”
— EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pawel Herczynski

 

Meanwhile, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reaffirmed in December 2024 that EU integration remains a top priority for his administration. He stated that Georgia aims to be the best-prepared candidate country by 2030.