The meeting between representatives of the European Commission and the Georgian side, held yesterday in Brussels, was technical in nature and focused on the issues that led to the activation of the visa-free regime suspension mechanism, stated EC spokesperson Marcus Lammert.
The European Commission explained in detail to the representatives of the Georgian delegation the reasons for its decision, which are related to issues of democracy and fundamental human rights. The Georgian side also presented its position, Lammert said.
“The goal of the current process is to eliminate the circumstances that led to the suspension. This concerns Georgia’s violation of commitments made under the visa-free regime in key areas such as democracy and fundamental rights. Yesterday’s meeting was technical and focused on the issues that led to the launch of the visa suspension mechanism…
The discussions took place in a fact-based atmosphere. Both sides agreed to report the results to their leadership, where the substance of the matter and possible next steps will be considered,” Marcus Lammert stated.
Following the meeting between Georgia and the European Union held on June 11, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak reported that a senior EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the dialogue between Georgia and the European Union as “rather fruitless.”
According to the source, the Georgian representatives defended the laws that Brussels has long demanded the country repeal, and which remain an unchanged condition for resuming full engagement between the sides.