“Visa-free travel to the European Union, considered one of the key guarantees of free movement for Georgian citizens, is now under serious threat,” several non-governmental organizations announced at a briefing today.

According to NGO representatives, the Georgian government has failed to implement recommendations issued by the EU in 2024. These recommendations included the protection of fundamental human rights, the repeal of restrictive laws, and a systematic fight against corruption at all levels.

They noted that 2025 has brought even greater setbacks to Georgia’s European integration process.

“After the rigged elections of 2024, there are currently 65 prisoners of conscience in Georgia. Additional repressive laws have been adopted, and persecution of citizens continues. By August 31, 2025, the government must submit information to the EU on the situation in Georgia. Instead of taking concrete steps to resolve the political crisis and improve the human rights environment, the government has intensified its anti-Western propaganda,” the statement said.

The NGOs warned that such actions could put at risk Georgian citizens’ right to visa-free travel to the EU, which provides opportunities to visit family members, travel freely, receive medical care, study, work, and develop in the European space.

“Georgia is part of the European family, and like more than 80% of the population, we believe its future lies in the EU. However, the government’s chosen course endangers this future,” the organizations stressed.

They recalled remarks made by the EU Ambassador, who said that returning to the European path requires halting repression, releasing political prisoners, abolishing repressive laws, and initiating an open and credible dialogue to overcome the current crisis.

“Georgian NGOs hold the government fully responsible for any negative decision regarding visa-free travel. Giving up our European future is unacceptable. It is essential to protect visa-free travel and Georgia’s European path,” the statement concluded.