Majority of Georgian Respondents Attribute Potential EU Visa Suspension to Georgian Dream, According to Poll

In a recent survey conducted by the Caucasus Research Resource Center (CRRC) from August 8-12, a solid majority of Georgians expressed support for the country's European integration. The survey, which used computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI), polled a total of 1,333 respondents with a margin of error of 1.56%.

The survey found that support for Georgia's European integration is highest among the younger age groups. Among the 18-34 age group, 86% expressed support, while among the 35-54 age group, the figure stands at 76%, and among the 55+ age group, it is 71%.

Interestingly, the usage rate of visa-free travel, which has been in place since 2017, is higher among the 18-34 age group (33%) and residents of the capital Tbilisi, as well as among those with higher education. However, 22% of survey respondents have not traveled to an EU country without a visa since the introduction of visa-free travel.

The survey also found that 78% of respondents consider the suspension of visa-free travel to be harmful, while only 3% believe it would be beneficial. Conversely, 24% of respondents had no answer regarding responsibility for the possible suspension of visa-free travel.

The commission from the EU Commission's Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, addressed to Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili, was sent in mid-July. The letter urged Tbilisi to provide an update on the implementation of recommendations issued by Brussels by the end of August. The commission will assess Georgia's compliance with the recommendations in the context of the next visa suspension mechanism report.

After the deadline passed, Georgia's Foreign Ministry stated that it had submitted a report to the European Commission within the set timeframe regarding the implementation of recommendations. The contents of the report are not yet known.

However, the situation has been marred by the arrest and sentencing of journalist Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of independent media platforms, for her government-critical reporting. This action is widely viewed as politically motivated.

Moreover, following the letter, Georgian Dream not only failed to implement the recommendations, but worsened the situation for democracy, including by seizing the bank accounts of leading civil society organizations on 27 August. As a result, more than half of Georgians (51%) hold the ruling Georgian Dream party and its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, responsible for the possible suspension of visa-free travel with the EU.

If Georgia continues to be non-compliant, the commission could take appropriate measures on the basis of article 8 of the revised visa regulation, specifically activating the visa suspension mechanism. This could potentially lead to the suspension of visa-free travel for Georgian citizens. The commission will make its decision based on the report submitted by Georgia and other factors.

Majority of Georgian Respondents Attribute Potential EU Visa Suspension to Georgian Dream, According to Poll