On 20 April Georgian Institute of Politics presented a new policy paper – “Challenges for Georgia’s Visa Liberalization: Political Context and Statistics” by GIP policy analyst – Mariam Grigalashvili and GIP affiliated analyst – Mikheil Sarjveladze. 

Policy paper analyzes the level of risk Georgia’s visa-free regime is facing and determine if the statistical data, which has been used as an argument by political groups from different EU member states to justify triggering of the suspension mechanism, is based on a fair assessment.

During her presentation, Grigalashvili addressed the situation prior to the introduction of visa-free travel regime for Georgia and problems emerging in 2018. She analyzed challenges for Georgia’s Visa Liberalization- triggering of the suspension mechanism and its possible consequences for Georgia. Additionally, Mariam Grigalashvili presented recommendations for the Georgian government – a list of effective steps to be taken in order to reduce the threat that the suspension mechanism will be triggered.