“Connectivity and geographical relations are one thing, and assessing Georgia’s political development is another. We require all forms of connections with Europe, both transport and political,” stated MP Giorgi Sharashidze, a member of the Gakharia for Georgia party.

Sharashidze was asked about a European Commission study, which states: “Georgia is an irreplaceable strategic corridor, the modernisation of which and its alignment with European standards will directly impact Europe’s economic security and stability.”

“While connectivity and territorial, geographical relations are entirely different matters, so too is an assessment of Georgia’s political progress. We recall the European Commission’s highly critical conclusion on enlargement in December, which resulted in a negative assessment of Georgia. As for connectivity, no one can or will escape its importance. Regarding Anaklia port, there has been no progress so far. Who claims it is unimportant? On the contrary, we require all forms of connection with Europe, both transport and political. In this context, political ties are even more crucial because abandoning Europe’s fundamental principles means ceasing to protect human rights and uphold democracy, whether you have a cable or a port.

We also want Georgia to matter to Europe. If the European Union needs Georgia for connectivity, should Georgia then deny fundamental rights, oppress its people, or enact autocratic laws? The government’s statements seem like grasping at straws, like clutching at a waterlogged moss. They try to package everything to send some signal,” Sharashidze concluded.