Georgia is a major topic at today's Foreign Affairs Council meeting, according to Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
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"We see serious backsliding in Georgia, and we'll discuss what more we can do. All options are on the table, including the suspension of the visa-free regime and other elements that could make through the Georgian government to change its calculations," Kallas stated in Brussels before the Council meeting began.
Kallas confirmed that a list of individuals subject to sanctions has been submitted to the Council and that judges are included on this list.
“We have proposed a list because we see these sentences for young protestors are really out of proportion. So, it's clear that the judicial system is a part of the apparatus. So, yes, there are two judges in the sanctions package. We will discuss this.
As you know, we had a blockage. We will also discuss our working methods in relation to that," Kallas stated.
When asked if any decisions were expected today, the High Representative stated that they would try to overcome the blockage.
Additionally, according to Kaja Kallas, a letter will be sent to the Georgian Dream government concerning the suspension of Georgia's visa-free regime with the EU. The letter will outline "certain conditions" under which Georgian Dream will be given a deadline to comply.
"If these conditions are not met within that deadline, then we will have to suspend the visa-free regime," Kallas noted.
The EU Foreign Affairs Council comprises the foreign ministers of all 27 member countries. It is chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Decisions on sanctions require the unanimous consent of all 27 members. Currently, Hungary and Slovakia are blocking the consensus.
