Chairman of Committee on European Integration of the Georgian Parliament, downplayed concerns regarding the potential suspension of visa-free travel to the EU, stating he doesn’t expect any “substantiated evidence” in a letter sent by Kaja Kallas [EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy].

“There are always states that try to use this issue as a political weapon and blackmail, but this issue is not under any threat.

Regarding the letter mentioned by Kaja Kallas, there is nothing new here either; presumably, it refers to the report published by the European Commission in December concerning the implementation of visa liberalisation. At that time, several issues were mentioned that Georgia needed to address.

These included transparency, the repeal of laws against LGBT propaganda, as well as issues related to the Anti-Corruption Bureau. The letter will likely focus on these issues. The letter will arrive, we will see it, study it, and make the appropriate decision.

The foundation for implementing visa liberalisation is solid; the main base necessary to protect this issue - meaning security - is strong. We are ready for dialogue, but the conversation should not be about coercion; we need to talk with specific arguments about where the problem lies and what the Government can do. We will do everything to ensure that this issue does not face any real threat”, - said Levan Makhashvili.

His comments came after Kallas indicated that the EU was observing “serious backsliding” in Georgia and was considering all options, including the suspension of visa-free travel, if certain conditions are not met within a specific timeframe.