**EU Proposes Visa Restrictions for Georgian Diplomats**
The European Commission has proposed suspending some parts of the EU-Georgia Visa Facilitation Agreement. This means that Georgian diplomats, officials, and their families would need visas to visit the EU for short stays.
This decision affects those who travel on diplomatic or official passports. However, ordinary passport holders from Georgia can still visit the EU without a visa.
**Why is this happening?**
The EU is concerned about democratic backsliding in Georgia. This includes violent crackdowns on peaceful protests and independent media. The Commission has also criticized recent Georgian legislation that undermines fundamental rights.
**What does this mean for Georgia’s relations with the EU?**
This proposal is part of broader EU measures to address what it describes as Georgia’s “serious democratic backsliding”. If adopted, member states will have to take necessary measures and apply a visa requirement for holders of diplomatic and official passports.
**Reactions from EU officials**
EU officials are calling this a “resolute reaction” to Georgia’s growing democratic backsliding. They emphasize that those who fail to respect fundamental rights should not benefit from freedom of movement between the EU and partner countries.
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