Von der Leyen Warns Visa Suspension Could Extend to All Georgians
By Messenger Staff
Friday, February 27, 2026
The suspension of visa privileges for Georgia could be expanded to cover the entire population if existing problems are not resolved by the authorities, according to a letter sent by Ursula von der Leyen to Georgian opposition politicians.
The letter was sent in response to an appeal from opposition figures Zurab Girchi Japaridze, Elene Khoshtaria, Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia, Levan Khabeishvili, Giorgi Vashadze, Irakli Okruashvili, and Givi Targamadze.
"EU will continue all efforts towards a democratic, stable, and European future for the Georgian people. We will continue to urge all political actors in Georgia to work towards this objective. Concerning the recent negative developments in Georgia, the EU has reacted firmly, calling on the Georgian authorities to release all journalists, activists, and those unjustly detained," the letter says.
Von der Leyen also notes that, following a proposal by the European Commission, the Council has partially suspended the visa facilitation regime with Georgia.
"According to the new rules, in the first phase, the visa suspension would target holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports issued by the Georgian authorities, ensuring a uniform application of the suspension in all Member States. In the second stage, the suspension could be extended to the entire population if issues are not addressed by the Georgian authorities," the letter says.
She adds that EU member states are discussing further steps related to Georgia.
"Member States have been discussing potential further measures in Georgia. While no consensus on sanctions has been reached by Member States, discussions continue regarding holding those responsible for democratic backsliding and human rights abuses accountable. All decisions on EU sanctions are taken unanimously by Member States in the Council," von der Leyen writes.
