On June 11, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced during a parliamentary hearing that his government was working to secure support within the European Union to suspend or restrict visa-free travel for Georgia, citing concerns over democratic backsliding and migration issues.
Tusk declared his intention to advance measures to limit or suspend visa-free arrangements for Georgia and other countries. He stated, “I have already spoken out, intervened, and we are now working to build the necessary majority to limit or suspend visa-free travel for Georgia, along with other countries.” He acknowledged that while one-third of the Georgian population sincerely aspires to embrace European values, “we know where the real problem lies.”
Tusk emphasized that his concerns extended beyond Georgia, linking the issue to broader migration challenges across Europe. “This is not just about Georgia,” he stated, expressing regret if any Georgians felt offended by his position. He maintained, however, that countries failing to uphold basic democratic standards and contributing to migration challenges pose a direct threat to legal and public order in both Poland and the EU.
Additionally, he revealed that Polish authorities had recently deported 50 Georgian citizens for “committing various crimes,” further underscoring the rationale for his proposal to reconsider visa-free travel agreements with Georgia.
In recent years, the relationship between Poland and Georgia has significantly deteriorated, primarily due to Georgia’s political trajectory under the ruling Georgian Dream party. Poland, along with France and Germany, has expressed deep concern over Georgia’s deviation from its European integration path, particularly following the 2024 parliamentary elections and subsequent political developments.