"The European Union is set to approve new rules that would make it easier to suspend visa liberalization for third-country nationals traveling into the bloc, a measure aimed in large part at Georgia amid signs Tbilisi is drifting away from democratic reforms and back toward Moscow's sphere of influence. The European Parliament is expected on October 7 to give its thumbs up to the new legislation and EU member states are expected to follow suit on November 17 with the new rules set to enter into force in December."
"The relationship deteriorated further after parliamentary elections in October last year in which the ruling Georgian Dream party controversially clung on to power and then decided to halt accession talks while adopting what many -- including Brussels -- see as Russia-friendly policies. The situation prompted massive demonstrations, which were put down violently by authorities. Local elections over the weekend, where Georgian Dream further cemented its grip on power, reignited demonstrations."
The European Union will adopt new rules to simplify suspending visa liberalization for third-country nationals, with parliamentary approval on October 7, member state approval on November 17, and implementation in December. The measures cover 61 visa-free countries, including Western Balkan hopefuls, Moldova, Ukraine, and Georgia. Georgia adopted anti-LGBT legislation and a "foreign agent" law and halted accession talks while moving toward Russia-friendly policies. Controversial October parliamentary elections left the Georgian Dream party in power and prompted large demonstrations that were violently suppressed. Recent local elections reinforced the ruling party's control and reignited protests, met by riot police using water cannons.
Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
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