During its January 27 meeting, the EU Foreign Affairs Council decided to suspend visa liberalization for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders. The decision, which will come into effect in the coming days, affects members of Georgian official delegations attending intergovernmental events in EU countries and members of Georgia's national and regional governments, parliaments, and judiciary, including holders of diplomatic passports. This suspension was approved with the backing of 15 EU member states, although Hungary and Slovakia opposed it.

The European Council justified the decision by citing Georgia's recent legislative moves, including the adoption of the "Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence" and a legislative package on "family values and protection of minors." The EU considers these measures to undermine fundamental rights such as freedom of association, freedom of expression, privacy, and participation in public affairs while fostering stigmatization and discrimination. The Council also cited violent crackdowns on peaceful protests, opposition politicians, and independent media as further reasons for the suspension. Tensions escalated after the Georgian government announced in November 2024 that it would delay opening EU membership negotiations until 2028.

In addition to the visa suspension, the EU decided to redirect its financial assistance from the Georgian government to civil society organizations and independent media, signaling clear support for these groups amid the country’s democratic backsliding. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized that the Georgian people’s aspirations for democracy and freedom must be respected and called on the government to end its repressive actions.

While Georgian citizens retain their visa-free travel to the EU, member states can now independently impose visa requirements on diplomatic, service, or special passport holders. This decision underscores the EU's growing dissatisfaction with Georgia's government and its policies while reaffirming support for the country's civil society and pro-European ambitions.

Member states should now implement the suspension of visa liberalization for Georgian diplomats in their internal rules, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kalas, said at a press conference following a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels. She added that the EU is closely following the developments in Georgia. She argued, "What more can we do to send signals to the Georgian government that this is not really going to in the right direction in terms of the European path. Of course, there are also things that we can weigh on what more can we do." As for the suspension of visa liberalization for diplomats, she noted that the decision was made by the member states and must now be implemented through their internal rules.