The EU is ready to introduce visas to Georgia, due to the decline in democracy

AUTHOR: M.J.

The European Union (EU) is ready to suspend the agreement on visa liberalization with Georgia, due to the decline in democracy and the rule of law, the Politiko portal writes.

The spokesperson of the European Commission told the portal that "all options are on the table" if the ruling party in Georgia continues with its authoritarian policy, including the potential suspension of visa liberalization.

Under the terms of the 2017 agreement, Georgians can travel to EU and Schengen countries visa-free for six months to a year.

As part of the agreement between the EU and Georgia on visa liberalization and the corresponding Action Plan, Georgia had to fulfill certain criteria, among which are the protection of fundamental rights and the prevention of discrimination, a spokesperson told Politiko.

The assessment would, of course, be carried out in the event of developments that pose a risk to the internal security of the Schengen area, as well as an additional setback of democracy in Georgia, it was said.

Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakidze assessed that any change to the visa agreement would be "cheap blackmail".