Diplomat Gigi Gigiadze warns EU visa-free travel suspension could take effect in January

The threat of Georgia losing its EU visa-free travel is “real” and could come into force as early as January 2026, diplomat Gigi Gigiadze said on Thursday.

According to him, the European Union may begin discussions on suspending Georgia’s visa liberalisation in November, with a decision potentially taking effect from the start of next year.

Gigiadze stressed that Georgia has failed to meet the EU’s conditions and recommendations.

“The report presented in Brussels is a complete farce. In reality, nothing has changed in the country - we still have political prisoners, opposition leaders behind bars, and ongoing persecution of civil society and media,” he said.

The diplomat also argued that the Government was no longer seen as legitimate by international partners.

“The EU negotiates with legitimate authorities, while this Government is not recognised as such. The Georgian Dream tries to create an illusion of legitimacy, but the reality is different [...] Under these circumstances, a turnaround is unimaginable”, Gigiadze noted.