MP Bitadze: Georgia remains a reliable partner committed to strengthening regional connectivity and Europe’s economic resilience

Georgia remains a constructive, reliable and responsible partner and will continue contributing to stronger regional connectivity, sustainable development and Europe’s economic resilience, Maia Bitadze, Chairwoman of Parliament’s Environment Committee, said during the annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in The Hague.

Addressing the committee, Bitadze said economic security, energy sustainability and climate action have become inseparable from peace and security, pointing to challenges including Russia’s war against Ukraine, the occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s territory, instability in the Middle East, climate change and the erosion of respect for international law.

“ In this context, Georgia remains committed to contributing to Europe’s economic and energy security. Owing to its strategic location, Georgia has become a reliable bridge between Europe, the South Caucasus, and the Caspian region, strengthening connectivity through the new corridor and facilitating security, secure trade and energy routes. Projects such as the Black Sea submarine cable and the Green Energy Corridor aren’t merely infrastructure initiatives.  They respect strategic investment in Europe’s long-term energy diversification, resilience, and sustainable economic growth.

Climate resilience, however, can’t be achieved without political stability, trust, and respect for international commitments. It is therefore deeply regrettable that at a time when our common attention should be focused on addressing these global and regional challenges, some political actors and bureaucratic circles continue to devote their efforts to deepening political polarization in Georgia, exerting pressure on its democratically elected government, and most importantly, failing to respect the sovereign democratic choice of the Georgian people. Such approaches do not strengthen democracy or international cooperation. On the contrary, they undermine confidence in international institutions, including the OSCE, and risk fostering skepticism and nihilism among Georgian citizens towards organizations whose mission is to promote dialogue, mutual respect, and equal partnership,” she said.

Bitadze concluded by reaffirming that Georgia would continue working to strengthen regional connectivity, sustainable development and Europe’s economic resilience.

“ Georgia remains a constructive, reliable, and responsible partner. We will continue contributing to regional connectivity, sustainable development, and Europe’s economic resilience. At the same time, we firmly believe that genuine partnership must be based on respect for sovereignty, equal treatment of participating states, and unwavering respect for the democratic choices of every nation,” she added.