**EU’s Visa Decision on Georgia Called “Symbolic” by Tbilisi**
The European Union’s decision to suspend visa liberalization for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports has been described as “symbolic” and “anti-Georgian” by Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of Georgia’s parliament. He criticized the EU for making a decision that undermines confidence in its institutions among Georgians.
**Romania and Others Disagree with Kobakhidze**
Kobakhidze had expressed gratitude to Romania, Italy, Spain, and Hungary for defending Georgian interests at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council. However, these countries later refuted his statement, saying they also raised serious concerns about the situation in Georgia and fully supported the EU’s decisions.
**ECHR Ruling on Abkhazia**
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has published its judgment in a case involving property rights violations in Georgia’s occupied region of Abkhazia. The court found Russia fully responsible for these violations, citing articles 1 and 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
**MEPs Warn about Democratic Backsliding in Georgia**
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have expressed concern about democratic backsliding in Georgia during a recent debate. They warned that the country is moving towards an authoritarian regime under Russian influence, similar to Belarus.
**EU and US Call for Sanctions**
The EU General Affairs Council has stated that Georgia’s government actions jeopardize its European path and accession process. The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Ben Cardin has condemned Georgian Dream’s violence against peaceful demonstrators and urged President Biden to impose Global Magnitsky sanctions.
**New Sanctions Expected from the US**
US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that new sanctions against Georgian officials are expected in the coming weeks.