Speaking to journalists about the possible loss of visa-free travel with the EU, Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili stated that the responsibility does not lie with the Georgian authorities. He criticized the EU’s approach, describing it as political and instrumental rather than legal or procedural.

Papuashvili argued that visa-free travel has been used as a tool by the EU:

“In general, the ‘Estonization’ of the EU’s foreign relations means that processes like European integration and visa-free travel are being used as instruments. This is not about procedures or people-to-people connections, but a very cold-blooded political weapon against other countries. Within this framework, it’s difficult to rule anything out - especially when there are discussions about introducing certain restrictions, even separating certain groups of people and labeling them. For instance, if some officials or a group of employees are required to obtain visas while others are not, visa-free travel could be suspended for only that group. Legally, this is called segregation - treating different groups in a country differently: seating some at the back of a bus, denying them access to a restaurant, allowing one group in but not the other. Europe has already experienced this a century ago. If they want to lead Europe back toward segregation, we can see the trends - labeling international ‘offenders’ without any court or justice, imposing sanctions. This is precisely what I mean when I say Brussels is leading the EU toward a civilizational abyss, toward a dark past where Europe once was.”

Regarding the potential suspension of visa-free travel, Papuashvili emphasized that one should not expect logic or fairness from Brussels:

“We should not look for logic or fairness in Brussels’ decisions. For some time now, Brussels has acted not from principles of reason or justice, but according to a political agenda, using various issues as tools. Fortunately, they lack the political maturity to cause serious damage to Georgia. Previously, attempts were made to influence our government from outside, involving their ambassadors, foreign ministers, politicians, and commissioners in our electoral process, violating conventions and norms. They failed, mainly due to political immaturity and incompetence in Brussels. They thought they had instruments similar to those the previous U.S. administration used, but the new administration exposed them and refused such interference in other countries. Now the EU, like a minor abandoned by a guardian, has somehow decided to act tough and become the world’s policeman - but it lacks the qualification to do so and, fortunately, cannot cause significant harm to the Georgian people, who fully understand the intentions some in Brussels have toward Georgia.”