129th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism meeting

Ergneti

Rome [ENA] The 129th Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) meeting took place on 22 December 2025 in Ergneti. Co-facilitated by 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, the meeting saw participants express their appreciation for the format and reaffirm their commitment to its

future. Building on this shared dedication, the co-facilitators highlighted the format’s crucial role in addressing security developments and finding practical solutions for women, men and children on both sides of the administrative boundary line (ABL). Participants discussed recent security developments and challenges faced by conflict-affected communities, including restrictions on freedom of movement and safeguarding energy infrastructure and supply.

They also addressed the resolution of lost livestock cases through rapid information exchange via a hotline. Concerned about the negative impact of continued detentions on local perceptions of security, the co-facilitators called for a prompt resolution, ideally through a humanitarian approach. They also stressed the importance of increased movement across the ABL to build trust and enhance local community security. To facilitate this, the co-facilitators advocated for extending the December opening of controlled crossing points into January. This extension would allow families separated by the administrative boundary line to reunite, participate in religious celebrations and maintain essential social connections during the traditionally

family-oriented holiday season. Participants praised the EUMM-managed Hotline’s excellent operation, highlighting its effectiveness in sharing reliable and timely information on security and humanitarian issues. The first IPRM meeting of 2026, marking the 130th session, is scheduled for 4 February.