The Foreign Ministry of Georgia stated that the European Commission’s suspension of the visa-free regime for Georgian diplomatic passport holders was based on a “tendentious” report on Georgia, describing the move, which it said was taken on “insufficient justification,” as “unfair.” It then said that within the dialogue, the sides discussed the reasons cited by the EU for the suspension, as well as the recommendations and the measures “undertaken or currently underway” by Georgia to implement them.
According to the ministry, “it was emphasized” during the meeting that Georgia’s Constitution and “current legislation” ensure the protection of fundamental human rights, and “it was noted” that Georgia has “effective mechanisms” for human rights protection, citing ongoing protests as “evidence” that the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration is protected in the country. It further said that the talks also touched on the 2024 protest rallies, which it described as “violent,” adding that “investigative actions are ongoing” to hold law enforcement officers accountable for documented cases, and noting that five officers have already been detained.
“It was stressed that calls to repeal laws adopted by the elected legislative body are unfounded, as they were passed in line with Georgia’s national and public interests and do not contradict any international convention or agreement to which Georgia is a party,” the ministry said, adding, “It was also noted that Georgia’s Constitution and legislation provide effective mechanisms to combat discrimination.” The remarks apparently concern the controversial foreign agents and anti-LGBT legislation, which the EU has been calling on Georgia to repeal.
The ministry added that the sides also discussed migration and corruption-related topics.
Saying that “political manipulation” of the visa-free regime is “unacceptable,” the Foreign Ministry concluded, “The Georgian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue constructive cooperation with the European Union based on mutual respect, equality, and common interests, and stressed the importance of high-level political dialogue.”
