EU Statement on the 66th round of the Geneva International Discussions

1. The European Union welcomes the 66^th round of the Geneva International Discussions (GID), held in Geneva, Switzerland on 18-19 March 2026. We wish to thank the GID Co-Chairs for their consistent efforts in keeping this format operational. GID continues to serve as the only platform where the consequences of the conflict, including issues related to the implementation of the six-point Agreement and its implementing measures, are addressed. 

2. We regret that the discussion on core issues did not bring substantial results. The EU continues to believe that a clear non-use of force statement by GID participants, including Russia, together with the establishment of a verification mechanism, are essential for enhancing security, building confidence and providing space for further political dialogue. We recall that such a commitment was already made by Georgia.

3. The EU underlines the importance of the right of all refugees and IDPs to a voluntary, safe and dignified return, as well as of being able to exercise property rights. We regret that discussion on IDPs and refugees was again not possible due to the walkout by the Russian, Abkhaz and South Ossetian participants. This practice has a damaging effect on the GID. It must stop. 

4. We positively note that participants discussed crossings, documentation, livelihoods, missing persons, education and health as well as exchanged views on freedom of movement and external mobility. 

5. The European Union expresses its concern regarding the severe and lasting impact this conflict has on the overall security situation in Georgia and the wider region, as well as on the well-being of the conflict-affected populations. The EU condemns the continued illegal Russian military presence and activities in Georgia. We are also concerned about Russia’s attempts to de-facto integrate Georgia’s occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia into Russia’s regulatory and security space, including through continuing build-up of military infrastructure. These actions endanger regional stability. 

6. The EU reiterates its call to enable immediate and unimpeded access to Georgia’s occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia for international and regional human rights mechanisms to fully implement their mandates. We are seriously concerned about the enduring human rights violations committed therein and urge Russia to stop ongoing “borderisation” activities as well as the restrictions on the movement of civilians across the administrative boundary lines and the arbitrary detention of Georgian citizens. Furthermore, we urge Russia to ensure the proper follow-up of the landmark judgement of 21 January 2021 of the European Court of Human Rights in the case of Georgia vs Russia.

7. The EU positively notes the smooth operation of the Ergneti Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM), and once again calls for the immediate resumption of the IPRM in Gali, without any preconditions.

8. The EU calls on Russia, as a party to this conflict, to recommit itself to respecting Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and to fulfil its obligations under the “six-point” agreement and its subsequent implementing measures in full and without further delay. 

9. We reconfirm our commitment to supporting the continued activities of the EU Monitoring Mission – the only legitimate international monitoring presence on the ground. In this regard, we strongly believe that enabling EUMM’s access to both sides of the ABL would help strengthen stability and security. 

10. The EU remains unwavering in its support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. Notwithstanding the EU’s ongoing commitment to Georgia’s security, we are concerned regarding the worsening political and human rights situation in the country. The EU reiterates its readiness to support the Georgian people’s European aspirations, and the country’s path towards accession should the Georgian authorities reverse their present course of action.

Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Republic of Moldova,  Montenegro, Norway, San Marino, Ukraine and the United Kingdom align themselves with this statement.