Yesterday’s meeting between the European Commission and the delegation of Georgian officials was a technical-level meeting focused on the issues that led to the activation of the visa suspension mechanism, European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert said in response to a question from Euractiv during a briefing.

According to him, the meeting was part of the standard procedure provided for under the EU Visa Regulation, which is carried out following the activation of the visa suspension mechanism.

Lammert explained that the meeting and the process stem from a decision adopted in March of this year, under which visa-free travel was suspended for Georgian citizens holding diplomatic, service, and official passports.

“The purpose of this process is to address the circumstances that led to the suspension. These circumstances concern Georgia’s failure to meet commitments undertaken under the visa-free travel framework in key areas related to democracy and fundamental rights,” the European Commission spokesperson noted.

According to him, the Commission provided the Georgian side with a detailed explanation of the reasons behind its decision.

“Yesterday’s meeting was a technical-level meeting focused on the issues that triggered the activation of the visa suspension mechanism. The Commission explained in detail the reasons for its decision, which concern democracy and fundamental rights. The Georgian side also presented its views. The discussion took place in a fact-based atmosphere. Both sides agreed to report back to their respective authorities and to discuss substantive matters as well as potential next steps,” the European Commission spokesperson said.