Georgia: The Georgian delegation attended the tenth plenary session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, which was held in Kishiniov. During the assembly, a debate was held on the topic: “The future of Eastern Partnership politics after Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine.” “New Regional Security Context, Challenges and Opportunities” where Assembly members discussed the future and existing challenges of the Eastern Partnership.
At the meeting of the Energy Security Committee, the draft resolution “Transition to Green Energy as a Response to the Current Challenges of Energy Security of the Eastern Partnership, in the Context of Russian aggression and occupation war” was discussed, which was co-authored by Maia Bitadze, a member of the Georgian Parliament in the Parliament of the Euronest, and the European Parliament E. Y. E.
The resolution emphasizes that energy security is directly linked to the national security of both the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries. This is why we need to develop renewable energy sources. The illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine by the Russian Federation, the ongoing occupation of the territories of Georgia and Moldova cause dramatic consequences, including energy emissions.
“Energy security is an important part of national security. This is why going green should be seen as a response to energy security by both the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries.
I represent a country which, unfortunately, in the last 30 years, has undergone military aggression from the Russian Federation. The country that relied on Russia’s natural gas experienced an energy embargo in 2006 and unprovoked and unsuccessful military aggression in 2008. Military occupation, unfortunately still continues and 20% of Georgian territory is occupied by the Russian Federation.
Unfortunately, it is well known to Georgia to use energy resources as a political weapon by Russia. “That’s why all measures must be taken by both the EU and Eastern partner countries to maximize green energy resources more quickly.”
“We all understand that continuous support from the EU is crucial to create technical capacities for connecting projects, including the Georgian-Romania connecting the Black Sea submarine cable project, which will make an important contribution to the energy security of Europe and the Caucasus region. “said the co-author of the resolution, Maia Bitadze.
At the meeting of the Committee on Political Issues, Human Rights and Democracy chaired by Maka Bochorishvili, the Head of the Permanent Delegation of the Georgian Parliament, the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly discussed and supported the draft resolution on the topic: “Promotion of Political Dialogue and Institutional Cooperation in Public Institutions In order to increase BIS and administrative capacity. ”
The document highlights the importance of promoting good governance in the Eastern Partnership countries and the need for EU assistance in implementing reforms.
The resolution welcomes the European Commission’s decision on June 23, 2022, to grant Moldova and Ukraine EU candidate status while giving Georgia a European perspective and emphasizing that Georgia should also be granted EU candidate country status.
Calls on the EU that the enlargement process should be carried out in line with a merit-based process and take into account the reforms undertaken by the three countries.
The document responds to security challenges and condemns the military actions of the Russian Federation in Ukraine and the occupation of Moldova and Georgian territories, Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region / South Ossetia. Welcomes the EU’s unconditional support to the Eastern Partnership countries in supporting their sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.
At the meeting of the Assembly Committee on Social Affairs, Education, Culture and Civil Society, the resolution was discussed on the topic: “Compatibility and Approach of Vaccination Programs in EU and Eastern Partnership Countries”, which discussed achievements and challenges in the health care system of the Eastern Partnership countries.
At the meeting on Economic Integration and Political Accomplishment with the EU, the draft resolution “Capitals: Economic Development in the Post-COVID-19 Reality” was discussed. The document drafted by the committee will cover challenges in the Eastern Partnership countries in the post-pandemic recovery, such as reducing foreign direct investment, unemployment, combating misinformation and propaganda, and challenges in tourism and education.
During the plenary session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly, a meeting of the Working Group of Associated Countries of the Assembly was held under the chairmanship of the Georgian Parliament delegation Maka Bochorishvili. At the meeting, the European perspective for Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine and the evaluation of the progress of implemented reforms were discussed.