Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Maka Bochorishvili sought to reassure the public that there is “no danger” to Georgia’s status as the European Union’s revised visa rules include Georgia.
The European Parliament voted on new rules allowing the European Union to more swiftly suspend visa-free travel arrangements with non-EU countries, citing concerns over security, human rights, and policy compliance.
The reform applies to 61 countries whose citizens currently enjoy short-term visa-free access to the Schengen area, including Georgia.
Bochorishvili told reporters. “I can reassure you that you will not be suspended because of the Georgian Dream’s policy. We received visa-free travel thanks to the Georgian Dream’s policy, and we continue to meet all obligations tied to it.”
The minister also rejected the notion that Georgia’s relations with the EU were at risk, calling the current debate an “instrumentalization” of the topic for political purposes.
“There is nothing to save from visa-free travel if there is a fair attitude toward Georgia,” she added. “Our country has consistently fulfilled all its commitments under the Association Agreement.”
Bochorishvili’s comments come amid broader discussions in Brussels over migration management and democratic standards.
The European Parliament’s reform aims to strengthen the bloc’s ability to respond quickly to changing global conditions, but Georgian officials insist that Tbilisi’s cooperation with the EU remains strong and fully aligned with European requirements.
According to the European Parliament’s statement, the revised mechanism gives the European Commission broader powers to temporarily, and potentially permanently, reintroduce visa requirements if a partner country poses heightened security risks or sees a surge in irregular arrivals.
The new framework also adds several grounds for triggering a suspension including hybrid threats such as the instrumentalization of migration, investor citizenship schemes (so-called “golden passports”), inconsistency with EU visa policy, serious human rights or humanitarian law violations, and failure to comply with International Court of Justice rulings.
Small businesses across Russia are increasingly feeling the impact of tighter internet restrictions, including ...
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has reaffirmed the island’s commitment to sovereignty and regional ...
The global housing crisis has reached what UN officials describe as “staggering” proportions, with nearly...
The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) opened in Baku with ministers, UN officials and urban policy leaders. Participants call for ...
Thousands of displaced families in Gaza are facing growing infestations of rats and insects as worsening sanita...
The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) opened in Baku with ministers, UN officials and urban policy leaders. Participants call for action on housing, sustainable development and resilient cities, as rapid urbanisation is placing pressure on infrastructure, services and living conditions.
Thousands of displaced families in Gaza are facing growing infestations of rats and insects as worsening sanitation conditions and mounting waste deepen the humanitarian crisis across overcrowded camps, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
At least four people have been killed in a major Ukrainian drone attack on Russian territory, including the Moscow region, which authorities say faced its largest aerial assault in more than a year.
The World Urban Forum (WUF) opens this week in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together governments, city leaders, urban planners, researchers and civil society to exchange ideas on how cities can become more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
At least eight people were injured after a driver rammed a car into pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena, authorities said on Saturday. Four of the victims were reported to be in serious condition.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would face growing economic costs from the conflict. The remarks came as Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli forces despite an extended Lebanon ceasefire.
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday (16 May), triggering a fire that quickly spread through the vehicle.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
Thousands of displaced families in Gaza are facing growing infestations of rats and insects as worsening sanitation conditions and mounting waste deepen the humanitarian crisis across overcrowded camps, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Uzbekistan has launched a nationwide environmental initiative titled ‘Day Without Cars’, which will take place twice a month as part of efforts to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum will open in Baku on Sunday, bringing together government representatives, city leaders, urban planners, international organisations, businesses and civil society to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.
Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, has travelled to Baku to attend the 13th World Urban Forum, where climate change and safer cities will be discussed.
Children laughed, applauded and watched wide-eyed as animated characters lit up the screen at the opening of the ninth Animafilm International Animation Festival in Baku, where filmmakers and audiences from around the world gathered to celebrate the growing influence of animated cinema.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment