Georgian Justice Minister Paata Salia is taking part in the Council of Europe Ministers of Justice Conference in Strasbourg.

According to the Ministry of Justice’s press service, the Minister highlighted the delicate balance between safeguarding human rights on one hand and defending national sovereignty and interests on the other in the development and management of migration policies. He also emphasised the importance of upholding the standards set by the Strasbourg Court on migration issues.

During the conference, Paata Salia shared Georgia’s experience in managing migration with his colleagues.

Citing data from the European Union Agency for Asylum as of June 2025, the Minister noted that 17 EU countries regard Georgia as a safe state, indicating that Georgia is recognised as a country where there are no significant violations of human rights or inhumane treatment.

Minister Salia pointed out that the number of Georgians seeking asylum in EU countries has decreased markedly in recent times.

“According to Eurostat data, the number of asylum seekers from Georgia to EU countries has fallen considerably. In 2022, 28,000 Georgian citizens applied for asylum across various EU states; today, this figure has already decreased by 65 per cent,” he stated.

Organised at the initiative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, the conference is attended by Justice Ministers from member states and other distinguished representatives.

The primary theme of the Council of Europe Ministerial is the relationship between human rights and national sovereignty, and the safeguarding of national security.

The Ministry’s press service added that, during his visit, the Georgian Justice Minister will hold meetings with his counterparts and the President of the European Court of Human Rights.