EU suspends visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials over democratic backsliding

The European Union is suspending visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials for at least a year over democratic backsliding and a crackdown on protesters. The European Commission said Friday that Georgia's government has violated the rules for earning a visa-free regime. It cited mass arrests, police violence and pressure on media and opposition politicians. Unrest has shaken Georgia since the ruling party halted EU accession talks in November 2024. The commission says the visa suspension runs until March 2027, but can be extended for two years if Georgia still doesn't respect the rules.