In Quotes: Georgian Leaders on EU Visa Waiver Anniversary

On March 28, Georgia is marking the one-year anniversary from the launch of the visa-free travel to the European Union, which enabled Georgian citizens to travel to the Schengen area for up to 90 days without visas.

More than 250 000 Georgian citizens have enjoyed visa-free travel to the Schengen area in the last twelve months. 

To mark this milestone, Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze and Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze have issued statements. Below are excerpts from their statements.

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili: “March 28, marks the anniversary of the enactment of the visa waiver … Georgia managed to secure free movement for its citizens in the European Union, the Schengen Area countries. This is, however, not only about the right to travel visa-free, this is also a significant political step from the European Union … and a demonstration of their great trust to Georgia. At the same time, this is a huge responsibility, and the steps undertaken by the Government to reduce the growing number of visa waiver abuses will surely yield results, and we will be able to preserve this great benefit.”

Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze: “A year ago our European friends granted us the right to travel visa free to the EU countries, which is a great privilege and a great responsibility for us. This has to be well-recognized by the government and individual citizens, and I am sure that we will treat the issue with such responsibility. It is important that we present ourselves coherently before our European friends, which will become a prerequisite for moving closer to Europe and the European Union.”

Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze: “Visa-free travel to the EU countries has a great political importance along with its practical aspects, since Georgia has come closer to the European family, since Georgia has been recognized as a reliable and valuable partner, and since we have received strong support of our European aspirations. Visa liberalization is not only a result of the government’s tireless efforts and its reforms, but a result of the historical choice of the Georgian people – of its European aspirations and of its unwavering support on this path. The government and the society value this important achievement and spares no efforts to fulfil the visa waiver-related terms.”

Over the last few months, a number of European countries have voiced their concerns over the increased number of crimes and asylum seekers from Georgia, triggering doubts that the European Union would temporarily suspend the visa-free regime for Georgia.

To address this problem, the Georgian government has pledged to implement a set of legislative reforms, as well as to intensify police cooperation with European partners, and to carry out country-wide information campaign.