**European Commission Criticizes Georgia on Visa Policy**
The European Commission has published its seventh report on the “Visa Suspension Mechanism”. The report says that Georgia has not made progress in bringing its visa policy into line with the EU‘s.
Georgia signed an agreement for visa-free travel with China in April 2024, but this has actually increased its distance from the EU’s visa policy. Georgia argues that it does not have a direct land border with the EU and so the less compliant visa policy is not a risk to the EU.
However, the European Commission says that bringing all countries in the EU neighborhood into line with the EU’s visa policies is an important task for any country joining the EU. The report notes that Georgia needs to make progress on this issue.
**Asylum Applications Decrease**
The number of applications from Georgian citizens for asylum in EU member states decreased by 8% in 2023 compared to 2022. In total, 24,375 people made such an application in 2023.
However, there were still problems with illegal crossings of the borders and more Georgians staying illegally in EU countries than before. Ten cases of border crossing were recorded in 2023, while the number of those staying illegally increased by 12%.
**Legislation Criticized**
The European Commission is also critical of new legislation adopted by Georgia that undermines fundamental rights. The “Transparency of Foreign Influence” law was passed despite recommendations from the Venice Commission and warnings from the EU.
This law gives broad powers to the Ministry of Justice, which raises concerns about control over civil society and media organizations.
Additionally, a legislative package on “Family Values and Protection of Minors” was adopted without public consultations or proper analysis of its compliance with European and international standards. The Commission says this undermines the fundamental rights of Georgian citizens.
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