Georgian foreign office criticizes EU for postponing human rights dialogue meeting

Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement expressing disappointment over the European Union’s decision to postpone a scheduled meeting of the Georgia - EU Human Rights Dialogue.

According to the ministry, Tbilisi viewed the meeting as an important opportunity to reengage with the EU at a time when, following the European Council conclusions of 27 June 2024, Brussels had suspended political dialogue with Georgia at all levels.

The ministry said the Georgian side had carried out “substantial preparatory work” to provide the EU with detailed information on the agenda items, including topics on which Georgia has often faced criticism from Brussels. The delegation, it added, had been carefully assembled with the participation of all relevant government agencies.

“Despite Georgia’s readiness and efforts, the EU side postponed the meeting on human rights issues with a completely unacceptable and unjustified pretext,” the ministry said.

The ministry further suggested that the circumstances surrounding the postponement “raise serious doubts” and create an impression that the EU’s European External Action Service was not genuinely interested in holding the meeting or hearing Georgia’s arguments - including on matters that had been cited as reasons for suspending political dialogue with Tbilisi.

The ministry reiterated that Tbilisi remained committed to a constructive approach and believed that dialogue had no alternative in relations with partners.

“Accordingly, once the dialogue suspended by Brussels is fully restored, we will consider re-engaging in various cooperation formats with the European Union,” the statement concluded.