What is behind postponement of Georgia-EU meeting?
Postponed Georgia–EU talks
Postponed Georgia–EU talks became the main political development on 18 November. The Georgian government confirmed that the annual human-rights dialogue scheduled for 21 November had been cancelled, with reports suggesting that an EU-sanctioned member of the Georgian delegation triggered the decision.
The TV channel Formula reported that the individual in question is Deputy Interior Minister Aleksandre Darakhvelidze. Despite repeated questions from journalists, Darakhvelidze neither confirmed nor denied that he was part of the delegation, but he dismissed the report.
Following the cancellation, Georgia’s Foreign Ministry said the EU had postponed the meeting for “completely unacceptable” and unfounded reasons.
The ministry suggested that the European External Action Service had little genuine interest in holding the dialogue, arguing that Brussels was unwilling to hear Georgia’s position — including on issues cited by the EU as grounds for suspending political dialogue with Tbilisi.
Georgian foreign ministry statement
“The Human Rights Dialogue meeting between Georgia and the EU, scheduled for 21 November 2025 in Brussels, was postponed just days before it was due to take place, following a decision by the EU.
At a time when, on the basis of the EU Council conclusions of 27 June 2024, the European side has suspended dialogue with Georgia at all levels, the Georgian side viewed this meeting as an opportunity to engage with the European Union — including on issues for which our society often hears criticism from Brussels.
Georgia carried out substantial preparatory work to provide the European side with accurate information on all agenda items, and the Georgian delegation was formed accordingly, with the involvement of the relevant state agencies.
Unfortunately, despite Georgia’s readiness to hold a Human Rights Dialogue meeting with the EU, the European side decided to postpone it under a completely unacceptable and unfounded pretext.
The use of this issue for further speculation raises justified doubts and creates the impression that the European External Action Service was not genuinely interested in holding the meeting, and that Brussels is not prepared to hear Georgia’s reasoned position — including on issues used as grounds for suspending the political dialogue with our country.
Georgia remains committed to a constructive approach and believes that dialogue has no alternative in relations with partners. Once the political dialogue suspended by Brussels is fully restored, we will consider participating in dialogue formats with the European Union across various areas.”
Postponed Georgia–EU talks
