EU-Georgia Readmission, Easing Visa Regime Treaties Expected ‘Soon’

The European Commission on April 27 adopted the proposal on the signature and conclusion of visa facilitation and readmission agreements and called on the European Parliament to endorse these agreements.

The visa facilitation will include, among other things, issuing multiple-entry visas with a long period of validity to certain categories of applicants including businesspeople, journalists and family members of Georgian citizens residing in the EU. The agreement would also cut visa fees to EUR 35 and and waiving fees for specific categories such as children, family members of Georgian citizens residing in the EU, representatives of civil society organisations. The agreement will exempt holders of diplomatic passports from the visa obligation.

The readmission agreement is designed to ensure the return of those Georgian citizens who illegally stay in the EU.

Speaking at European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee on April 28, Štefan Füle, EU commissioner for enlargement and European neighbourhood policy, said that “Georgians can soon benefit from lower fees and easier visa rules.”

He also said EU’s Foreign Affairs Council would be presented for formal adoption of negotiating directives for Association Agreements with South Caucasus countries on May 10. 

Füle, who reported to the EU Parliament’s foreign affairs committee about his trip to South Caucasus countries and Ukraine earlier in April,said that adoption of the directives would pave the way for the EU to prepare for the launch of negations on Association Agreements with Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

“These Agreements will allow for close political association between each of the partners in the South Caucasus and the EU, building on common values and shared principles,” he said.

On Georgia EU commissioner for enlargement also told EU parliamentarians that during the visit in Tbilisi he had an opportunity to discuss internal political situation ahead of the May 30 local elections with both the opposition and the authorities.

“I stressed to both sides the clear need for adhering to international electoral standards, the importance of real political pluralism, a vibrant civil society and an open media environment as essential factors to consolidate democracy,” Füle told European parliamentarians.

He also said that his message to the leaders in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia was and “will always be that the responsibility for the internal reform processes and the strengthening of democracy and rule of law lie firmly in the hands of the governments and politicians of those countries.”

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