FM Zalklaiani says EU not suspending visa-free regime with Georgia

Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani says any information that European Union is suspending the visa-free regime with Georgia is ‘a big lie’. 

Stressing that Georgia's EU integration is 'inevitable' FM Zalkaliani noted as well that in the latest reports Georgia has a very positive assessment from the EU. 

Georgia is fulfilling all of its obligations and no suspension mechanism will enter into force. I know our opponents are very eager… It is unimaginable when the opponents are happy with the possible failure of the country… I would like to dissapoint them by saying that this is a very big lie”, he says.

David Zalklaiani made remarks in response to an article published in EU Observer earlier today, which said that ‘Germany leads objections to Balkan/Eastern visa-free travel’.

Based on the article, ‘unlawful residency and unfounded asylum claims from some western Balkan states, plus Moldova, Georgia and Ukraine, is triggering discussions on suspending visa-free travel to the EU’.

• EU says Georgia is fulfilling visa liberalisation benchmarks, addressing recommendations

However, the Georgian FM underscored that German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has denied the information calling it fake news. 

In its recent report on the monitoring of the EU visa free regime with eight countries, including Georgia, the European Commission has stated that ‘overall Georgia continues to fulfil the visa liberalisation benchmarks and has taken action to address the European Commission’s recommendations.’ 

The regulation lifting visa requirements for Georgians to travel to the European Union entered into effect on March 28, 2017. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge

Agenda.ge's economic editor Mariam Papidze and photographer Nino Alavidze were among the first Georgian citizens to cross the EU border without the visa requirement. 

• How I entered EU without visa

Georgian citizens holding biometric passports can travel to EU/Schengen Zone visa-free for 90 days within a 180-day period, whether it be for tourism, family visits, or business.

However, international flight have been restricted for over a year now due to the coronavirus pandemic.