Georgia Hits Back at EU’s Visa Ban – Will Turbocharge the Economy into a New Form!

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

The ongoing tension between Georgia and the European Union over visa-free travel has taken a new turn, with Georgian officials asserting that the cessation of these privileges may actually be beneficial for the country’s economy. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has voiced strong opposition to the EU’s recent decision to impose restrictions on Georgian citizens’ ability to travel without visas. In his statement, Kobakhidze suggested that the move could stimulate the Georgian economy in unexpected ways, countering the EU’s pushback with his own political narrative.

A Shift in Georgian Leadership’s Perspective on Visa-Free Travel

Initially, Georgia’s ruling party, the Georgian Dream, regarded the granting of visa-free travel to the European Union as a monumental success. This policy, they argued, was a significant achievement that brought Georgia closer to the EU and opened doors for Georgians to explore Europe with greater ease. However, as the political landscape shifted and tensions with Brussels escalated, this once-celebrated accomplishment is now being viewed through a more critical lens. Kobakhidze’s government, supported by the Georgian Orthodox Church, is now framing the EU’s restrictive measures not as a setback, but as a challenge that may ultimately benefit Georgia’s economic future.

The Prime Minister has openly criticized the EU’s decision, framing it as a form of political coercion. He argues that, rather than seeing the restrictions as a blow to Georgia’s international standing, they might create opportunities for the nation’s internal development. This stance has sparked considerable debate within Georgia, especially as the EU continues to exert pressure on the government to reverse several domestic policies, including those related to family legislation, which have become points of contention between the two parties.

The EU’s Stance and Georgia’s Response

The European Union has long been a key player in shaping Georgia’s international relations, especially when it comes to issues such as visa policies and EU membership aspirations. Over the years, Georgia has worked diligently to meet the EU’s stringent requirements, including reforms in areas such as democracy, governance, and human rights. Visa-free travel to the EU, which was secured in 2017, was seen as a major diplomatic victory for Georgia and was hailed as a sign of the country’s progress towards eventual EU membership.

However, as European officials increasingly scrutinized Georgia’s domestic policies, particularly regarding issues of family rights, the EU’s support began to wane. The most recent dispute involves the EU’s call for Georgia to retract or amend legislation deemed unfriendly to the LGBTQ+ community and other progressive rights. The Georgian government’s resistance to these demands has triggered a political standoff, with Brussels threatening to strip Georgia of its visa-free privileges if these policies are not rescinded.

For Georgia, the removal of visa-free travel may be perceived as a punishment, but Kobakhidze has instead emphasized that this development could ultimately enhance the country’s economic standing. He has pointed to the potential growth in the domestic labor market as an unexpected advantage of the restriction. With fewer Georgians able to migrate freely to the EU, it is argued that the workforce within Georgia could expand, resulting in increased labor force participation and a potential boost to the economy.

Comparing the UK and EU Visa Systems for Georgians

In his commentary, Kobakhidze made a comparison between the visa policies of the United Kingdom and the European Union, both of which Georgians must navigate to travel abroad. According to Kobakhidze, the process of applying for a UK visa, while cumbersome, is relatively straightforward and accessible. He noted that despite the inconvenience, Georgian citizens are still able to obtain visas and travel to the UK with relative ease. The issue, he contends, is less about the technicalities of the visa application process and more about the broader implications of EU-imposed restrictions.

Kobakhidze’s argument hinges on the assertion that, without the privileges of unrestricted travel to the EU, more Georgians might opt to stay within their own country. This could, in turn, lead to a more productive workforce, contributing directly to the acceleration of economic growth. His view contrasts sharply with the sentiments expressed by many in the Georgian public, who see visa-free travel as an essential tool for international exposure, economic opportunity, and personal freedom.

The Role of the Georgian Orthodox Church

An important ally in Kobakhidze’s stance against the EU is the Georgian Orthodox Church, which has consistently supported the government’s position on several controversial issues. The Church has been vocal in its criticism of Western influence on Georgian policy, particularly in relation to progressive social changes. Its backing of the government’s decision to stand firm against the EU on the issue of visa restrictions further solidifies the political narrative that Georgia must preserve its independence from external pressures.

The Church’s influence in Georgian politics remains profound, with many Georgians still holding deep respect for its moral and social guidance. This support helps frame the issue as not merely one of international diplomacy but as a matter of national identity and sovereignty. As such, Kobakhidze’s rhetoric about economic self-sufficiency and national pride resonates with a significant portion of the Georgian electorate.

Political Tensions with Poland and EU Enlargement

The ongoing conflict over visa-free travel has coincided with broader political tensions in Europe, particularly with Poland. The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has raised concerns about the deportation of alleged Georgian criminals from Poland, further fueling the political discourse around Georgia’s place within the EU. Tusk’s statements have been viewed by some as an attempt to politicize the issue of crime and migration, adding an additional layer of complexity to the already fraught relationship between Georgia and the EU.

This dispute highlights the delicate balance Georgia must strike as it navigates its aspirations for EU membership while grappling with the EU’s demands on domestic policy. On the one hand, Georgia has worked to align itself with EU standards and pursue membership in the Union. On the other hand, it is clear that the European Union’s conditional support can be volatile and influenced by geopolitical considerations, such as the ongoing tension between Poland and other EU members regarding migration policies.

Freezing the EU Membership Bid

In response to mounting pressure from Brussels, the Georgian government has decided to freeze its bid for EU membership, a move that reflects the growing disillusionment with the European Union’s approach. This decision was made after the EU demanded that Georgia reverse its pro-family legislation, which includes measures that have been controversial both within Georgia and among international human rights organizations.

By freezing its EU membership aspirations, Georgia sends a strong message that it will not back down in the face of external pressure on domestic matters. This decision marks a significant shift in Georgia’s foreign policy, indicating a willingness to challenge the EU’s influence over its internal affairs. The move also highlights the complex and sometimes contradictory relationship between Georgia and the European Union, which has long been seen as a key partner in the country’s pursuit of modernization and democratic reforms.

The ongoing dispute between Georgia and the European Union over visa-free travel has sparked a significant political debate within Georgia. While the EU’s restrictions are seen by some as a setback, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and his supporters argue that the move could provide unexpected economic benefits, including an expanded domestic labor force and increased economic growth. The Georgian government’s resistance to EU pressure, supported by the Georgian Orthodox Church, underscores the broader political and cultural issues at play, including national sovereignty and the desire to preserve Georgian values in the face of Western influence.

As tensions continue to rise, the future of Georgia’s relationship with the European Union remains uncertain. The political fallout from the EU’s visa restrictions, coupled with the ongoing disagreements over domestic legislation, will likely shape the trajectory of Georgia’s international relations for years to come. For now, however, Georgia’s leadership is steadfast in its belief that the country’s economic future lies in its own hands, rather than in the policies of external powers.