Georgian foreign office: Georgia reaffirms commitment to constructive cooperation with EU based on mutual respect, equality, shared interests at Brussels meeting

The Georgian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue constructive cooperation with the European Union based on mutual respect, equality, and shared interests, and emphasised the importance of high-level political dialogue, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Imedi TV.

“On June 11, 2026, a meeting was held in Brussels between the delegation of Georgia and the delegation of the European Commission within the framework of the visa dialogue. Specifically, the meeting pertained to the European Commission's Executive Regulation of March 6, 2026, regarding the temporary suspension of the visa exemption for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports”, the Georgian foreign office said.

“This decision by the European Commission is based on a report that biasedly assesses the situation in Georgia, which in itself does not allow for proper and objective conclusions to be drawn. Consequently, the decision to temporarily suspend the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic and service passports, made on the basis of insufficient justification, is unfair”, the statement noted.

Nevertheless, within the framework of the visa dialogue, the reasons cited by the EU side for activating the visa suspension mechanism, the recommendations presented by the European Commission, and the measures implemented or ongoing by Georgia toward their fulfillment were discussed.

It was emphasised that the Constitution and current legislation of Georgia ensure the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly and demonstration, association, privacy, and equality.

It was noted that effective national mechanisms for the protection of human rights operate in the country, and the strengthening of relevant institutions continues. Furthermore, the regularly organised protests by political parties and civic activists over a long period serve as proof of the fulfillment of the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration in the country.

It was noted that despite the violent nature of the 2024 protests and the attacks carried out against state institutions and law enforcement agencies, relevant investigative actions are underway to identify abuse of power, misconduct, and other violations by state officials and law enforcement personnel.

It was highlighted that five individuals are currently detained and facing court proceedings on charges of abuse of power by law enforcement officers during the dispersal operation of the 2024 violent protests, as well as obstructing a journalist's activities in one episode.

It was stressed that the demand to repeal laws passed by the elected legislative body is groundless, as they were adopted based on Georgia's national and public interests and do not contradict any international convention or agreement to which Georgia is a party. Additionally, it was noted that effective mechanisms for combating discrimination have been established by the Constitution and legislation of Georgia.

Within the scope of the meeting, Georgia's progress in migration management, prevention of illegal migration, and readmission was reviewed. It was noted that Georgia actively cooperates with EU member states and relevant agencies.

The fight against corruption, the creation of the Asset Recovery Office, the development of a new anti-corruption strategy, and the institutional capacity building of the State Audit Office were also highlighted.

The working group noted that the Georgian authorities continue to work on practical issues to ensure the sustainability of the visa liberalization process with the EU. At the same time, it was emphasised that political manipulation regarding this issue is unacceptable.

The Georgian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue constructive cooperation with the European Union based on mutual respect, equality, and shared interests, and emphasised the importance of high-level political dialogue.