ERGNETI, 23 July 2026 – The 133rd Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting took place today in Ergneti. Bettina Patricia Boughani, Head of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), and Christoph Späti, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for the South Caucasus, co-facilitated the proceedings.
The EUMM and OSCE co-facilitators appreciated the continued commitment of all participants to the IPRM format and reiterated its importance as a practical platform for addressing security issues and matters of concern to conflict-affected communities.
Participants exchanged views on recent security developments, including the installation of obstacles, military exercises and the presence of unmanned aerial vehicles along the administrative boundary line (ABL). A key issue remained the ongoing detentions of individuals. All cases were discussed, with the EUMM and OSCE reiterating their appeal to discontinue the practice of detentions and adopt a humanitarian approach towards those affected.
During the meeting, participants also focused on ongoing challenges faced by conflict-affected populations living along the ABL, including restrictions on freedom of movement. Co-facilitators welcomed the opening of crossing points during the Lomisoba festivities. They advocated for a full opening of the crossing points, stressing that regular cross-ABL movement would contribute to improving the daily lives, safety and livelihoods of women, men and children affected by conflict.
With the agricultural season in fully underway, participants exchanged views on practical issues relating to the distribution of the irrigation water to communities on both sides of the ABL. The EUMM provided an overview of the water level measurements since the start of the season, and reiterated its readiness to facilitate exchanges through the Hotline on this issue.
All participants highlighted the importance of the EUMM-managed Hotline as the key mechanism for sharing information, addressing incidents and defusing tensions. The Hotline continued to facilitate the timely exchange of information on a range of issues, including detentions, medical crossings, irrigation water levels and “borderisation” activities. The co-facilitators encouraged all participants to commit to a constructive and collaborative approach with regard to security developments along the ABL.
The participants agreed to hold the next regular IPRM meeting on 8 September 2026.
