The European Commission expects progress on the issue of bringing the visa policy into compliance, - this is stated in the seventh report of the European Commission on the "Visa Suspension Mechanism".

"Georgia has not experienced any progress in bringing the visa policy into compliance. On the contrary, since the signing of the agreement on visa-free travel with China in April 2024, the distance from the EU's visa policy has increased. Georgia argues that because it does not have a direct land border with the EU, the less compliant visa policy does not pose a risk to the EU in terms of illegal migration or security. However, the Commission recalls that the harmonization of visa policies for all countries in the EU neighborhood and for the purposes of EU accession is a major task. "The European Commission expects progress on the part of Georgia in bringing the visa policy into compliance," the report states.

According to the report, in 2023, the number of applications for asylum by Georgian citizens in EU member states decreased by 8% compared to 2022. In 2023, 24,375 people registered an application for asylum. In 2023, ten cases of illegal crossing of borders of EU member states by Georgian citizens were recorded. In addition, in 2023, the number of Georgian citizens staying illegally in EU member states increased by 12% compared to 2022.

"During the preparation of the report, Georgia adopted legislation that undermines fundamental rights. The adoption of the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence in May 2024 and the legislative package on Family Values ​​and Protection of Minors in September 2024 undermine the common legal framework for the protection of fundamental rights. Both initiatives violate human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the rights of association, expression and privacy. The "Transparency of Foreign Influence" law was adopted despite the recommendations of the Venice Commission and the calls of the European Union. "Disturbing reports about the demands and broad powers granted to the Ministry of Justice increase the risk of selective and conditional control of civil society and media organizations," the report states.

The European Commission notes that the legislative package "On Family Values ​​and Protection of Minors" was adopted by the Parliament of Georgia without public consultations and a thorough analysis of compliance with European and international standards.

"The legislative package undermines the fundamental rights of the Georgian people and increases stigmatization and discrimination," the commission states.