Netherlands is urging the EU to end visa-free travel with Georgia

The Dutch foreign minister announced on Thursday that the Netherlands intends to request the European Union to suspend its visa-free travel arrangements with Georgia, following the arrest of over 300 individuals during pro-EU protests in the South Caucasus nation. For the past week, demonstrators in Georgia have been voicing their opposition to the government’s choice to cease negotiations regarding EU membership.

Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp stated that he would formally approach the EU to emphasize to the Georgian government that their current trajectory has consequences.

At present, Georgian citizens can travel to the EU for short stays without needing a visa. Veldkamp made these comments to reporters prior to a two-day meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Malta. He also indicated that he would request the OSCE to investigate the actions of the Georgian government.

According to Georgian media, the Interior Ministry has reported that more than 300 individuals have been detained since the protests erupted in response to the government’s decision to halt EU accession talks. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, leader of the pro-Russian Georgian Dream party, has accused opposition factions of inciting unrest.