“This is the first use of the new visa suspension mechanism. The decision follows approval by the member states,” - this was stated by European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert to “Euroscope” when answering a question about the suspension of visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports.

According to his explanation, the Commission decided to suspend visa-free travel for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports starting today, March 6, for an initial period of 12 months.

“This is the first case of applying the new visa suspension mechanism. The decision follows approval by the member states. Visa liberalization aims to deepen contacts between peoples and to promote shared values, including human rights and democratic principles, and the Commission believes that the actions of the Georgian authorities undermine the very principles on which visa liberalization is based. This is incompatible with EU norms and values,” - noted the European Commission spokesperson.

According to his explanation, the Commission has adopted guidelines for consular authorities and border guards of member states to support the effective implementation of the decision on suspending visa-free travel.

“Another important aspect of the issue is that, with today’s decision, the Commission has adopted guidelines for consular authorities and border guards of member states to support the effective implementation of the decision on suspending visa-free travel. This also means that all Georgian citizens will undergo enhanced checks when crossing the EU’s external borders, to prevent circumvention of the new measures,” - noted the European Commission spokesperson.