Georgian and European Union officials met in Brussels on June 11 for an enhanced dialogue following the suspension of visa-free travel privileges for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports. While the Georgian side described the talks as constructive and expressed a “positive” outlook, an EU official reportedly characterized the meeting as “rather unfruitful.”
The dialogue was held as part of a standard procedure required under EU visa regulations whenever the visa suspension mechanism is activated. The current suspension applies only to diplomatic and official passport holders and was introduced for one year, subject to review. However, concerns remain that the measure could eventually be expanded to include ordinary passport holders.
Ahead of the meeting, European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said the purpose of the talks was to address the circumstances that led to the suspension. He stressed that the decision was linked to what Brussels considers Georgia’s failure to uphold commitments undertaken within the visa-free travel framework, particularly in the areas of democracy and fundamental rights.
Following the talks, Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the suspension of visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders was an “unfair” decision based on insufficient grounds. The ministry said the Georgian delegation reaffirmed its readiness to continue cooperation with the European Union on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and common interests, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining high-level political dialogue.
Speaking after the meeting, Giorgi Tabatadze, Director of the Directorate of International Legal, Consular and Diaspora Affairs at the Foreign Ministry and head of the Georgian delegation, described the discussions as a working meeting during which both sides exchanged views.
“We talked, we heard their positions, they heard our positions. Time will tell,” Tabatadze said, adding that he maintained a “positive” outlook regarding future developments.
A different assessment emerged from the European side. Rikard Jozwiak, Europe editor at Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, said an EU official described the talks as “rather unfruitful,” noting that Brussels was not impressed by the Georgian delegation’s position.
RFE/RL’s Georgian Service, which cited an anonymous EU official, reported that the Georgian representatives defended legislation that Brussels has repeatedly called on Tbilisi to repeal. When asked whether the government was prepared to amend the laws, Georgian officials reportedly replied that they represented a technical delegation and that the issues in question were political matters. The report suggested that Tbilisi is seeking a broader political-level dialogue with the EU.
The same EU source also reportedly dismissed as “propaganda” Georgian claims regarding alleged attempts by foreign-funded actors to organize a violent change of government. Nevertheless, the official acknowledged that the Georgian side identified several areas where progress could be achieved, although these were described as minimum steps.
In a more detailed statement issued after the meeting, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry argued that the European Commission’s decision was based on a “tendentious” assessment of developments in the country. The ministry said discussions focused on the reasons cited by the EU for the suspension, the recommendations issued by Brussels, and measures already taken or currently being implemented by Georgia.
Ministry said that Georgian representatives stressed that the country’s Constitution and legislation guarantee the protection of fundamental rights and provide effective legal mechanisms for their enforcement. Officials also pointed to the ongoing anti-government demonstrations as evidence that freedom of assembly and expression remain protected.
The ministry further stated that discussions touched upon the 2024 protest rallies, which it described as violent. Based on the statement, investigations into alleged abuses by law enforcement officers are continuing, with five officers already detained in connection with documented incidents.
Addressing EU demands to repeal recently adopted legislation, the ministry argued that such calls are unfounded because the laws were passed in accordance with Georgia’s national interests and do not violate international agreements or conventions to which the country is a party. The remarks appeared to refer to the controversial foreign agents and anti-LGBT legislation, both of which have been sharply criticized by the European Union.
The sides also discussed issues related to migration and anti-corruption efforts.
Concluding its statement, the Foreign Ministry said the political use of the visa-free regime was unacceptable and reiterated Georgia’s commitment to maintaining constructive cooperation with the European Union while continuing dialogue at a higher political level.
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