Taking into account the developments in Georgia, the European Commission is reviewing a possible activation of the visa regime suspension mechanism for certain categories of persons.
The report provides several recommendations:
— Ensure and uphold the protection of fundamental rights of all Georgian citizens, including the freedoms of association, assembly and expression, the right to privacy, the right to participate in public affairs, as well as the prohibition of discrimination.
— Avoid and repeal any legislation that may restrict fundamental rights and freedoms, go against the principle of non-discrimination and contradict relevant European and international standards. In particular, repeal the Law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and the legislative package on ‘family values and protection of minors’, and amend the national strategy and action plan on human rights to ensure that the rights of LGBTIQ persons are fully upheld.
— Align Georgia’s visa policy with the EU list of visa-required third countries, in particular with regard to countries presenting irregular migration or security risks to the EU.
— Step up action to address the issue of unfounded asylum applications and irregular stays in Member States, such as information campaigns on the visa-free regime to relevant migrant profiles and stricter border checks.
— Set up an Asset Recovery Office and Asset Management Office, and continue efforts in asset tracing, freezing, management, confiscation and disposal.
— Adopt a new anti-corruption strategy and action plan, ensuring adequate resources for their implementation and pay special attention to investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of high-level corruption cases.
— Amend the Law on Anti-Corruption Bureau to address key Venice Commission recommendations, particularly those pertaining to the Anti-Corruption Bureau’s effective independence, political neutrality and functions.
— Align the Law on Personal Data Protection with the EU acquis.