Georgian diplomats, government officials, and ministers have lost their visa-free travel privileges in all EU countries — a move that Brussels has taken in response to democratic backsliding in the country.

The European Commission has suspended all visa-free travel in the EU for Georgian diplomats and high-ranking government officials.

The Commission said the suspension comes in response to “Georgia’s deliberate and persisting violation” of their commitments to democracy, as well as human and fundamental rights.

“If a government attacks its own people, silences journalists, and curtails freedom, there are consequences,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said in a statement.