EU Observer: “Georgia’s EU visa waiver should not be politicised”

"Visa liberalisation is one of the most appealing ‘carrots’ that the EU offers its neighbouring countries. It is something that 58 countries, from Albania to Venezuela, already enjoy – but why not Georgia?”

European Parliament member Clare Moody’s piece for EU Observer leads a strong debate on why Georgia should be offered a visa waiver to the Schengen zone.

Despite the country having been recognised as "ready" for an EU visa regime in December 2015, Georgia’s bid to gain visa-free travel to the Schengen zone has suffered numerous delays; most recently due to recent events that have "seriously put the Union’s cohesion and external credibility to the test” with Brexit, EU migration issues and increasing terrorism and security concerns to name just three.

The procedure for a third country to obtain visa liberalisation is on paper quite straightforward. Countries must meet a number of strict criteria, evaluated and assessed regularly through dialogues and reports,” she writes

In line with this, Georgia since 2012 has ratified seven international conventions as well as adopted eight national strategies, more than 60 legislative amendments and around 70 bylaws, instructions and regulations.”

Moody outlines that Georgia is a "reliable partner for the EU” and stresses Georgia’s visa liberalisation should not be politicised.

"The country’s democratic credentials are sound, consistently climbing international rankings for free and fair elections, human rights, freedom from corruption and ease of doing business.”

The EU is in desperate need of a success story in its neighbourhood. We most certainly cannot afford to alienate our friends or give any credence to those who claim all the EU offers is empty promises.”

Read the full article here: www.euobserver.com