“We are ready to continue working with EU on Black Sea connectivity”: Shalva Papuashvili at EUSC

Tbilisi: The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, together with the Chairman of the Integration Committee with Europe, Maka Bochorishvili, participated in the Annual Conference of Speakers of the European Union and Partner Parliaments (EUSC), in Czech Republic.

 The agenda of the conference included important and urgent European security issues, such as Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s response in a new geopolitical context, which also included EU expansion policy, energy security and post-war reconstruction. He emphasized the role of the EU in protecting the democratic system on a more global scale.

Speaking at the conference, Shalva Papuashvili spoke about security challenges in Europe and the importance of unity of the international community. He emphasized the importance of Georgia’s support, a loyal friend country, Ukraine, despite the difficult situation in the region: “Georgia faces a high risk of possible military escalation.” 

At the same time, it is noteworthy that Georgia is not protected by NATO’s security umbrella and does not benefit from EU economic solidarity. However, Georgia actively uses its one voice in the international arena to support Ukraine. Time for the EU to fully realise its role as a geopolitical player and support sovereign choices of countries that have historically belonged to European families. “- said Shalva Papuashvili.

 The speaker of the Georgian Parliament has drawn attention to the important role of Georgia as a partner of the European Union in developing a common European future. “These days Georgia is the e of trade.” The “Middle Corridor” is a critical and important part of what could be the safest and shortest route to providing alternative energy resources to European families. 

We are ready to continue working with the EU to strengthen Black Sea connectivity to create alternative routes for energy delivery, freight transport and digital connections, essential conditions for sustainable economic growth and a stronger and future Europe. ” – noted Papuashvili.

 Shalva Papuashvili spoke about the importance of the role of the European Union in view of the new geopolitical situation. “I hope that at the end of the year we will celebrate both Ukraine’s victory and the restoration of territorial integrity, and the granting Georgia the EU candidate status and the beginning of negotiations to join the EU.” 

This would be another historic step in extending the effect of European security and economic stabilisation in the wider region. 

 At the conference there was also a discussion on the necessity of protecting and strengthening the democratic system. The speaker of Georgia’s parliament said that the EU, as a well-known defender of democracy, human rights and the rule of law, should cooperate with other democratic countries and defend democratic values through fact-based discussions. “I believe in Europe. My freedom loving nation also believes in Europe. It’s time for Europe to believe in itself and believe in us.” 

 Notably, EUSC conference on 24-25 April this year, city. It was held in Prague, where speakers of parliament from 27 EU member states and candidate countries and high-ranking representatives of EU institutions took part.