Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili says Georgia is acting responsibly in fulfilling its role in connecting Europe with the East, accusing Brussels of taking an irresponsible approach towards the country. He made the remarks during a press conference in Parliament in response to journalists’ questions.
Papuashvili stressed that Georgia’s geographical location makes it a key link in international transportation and energy shipments, arguing that the European Union should not pursue policies that harm a country playing an important role in its economic security. He cited the fact that 40% of the Czech Republic’s imported crude oil comes from Azerbaijan through Georgia, while a recently signed major gas supply agreement between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic will also involve transit through Georgian territory.
The Parliament Speaker accused the EU of pursuing what he described as a policy aimed at damaging Georgia politically, economically and socially. He argued that the bloc’s decisions and actions ultimately harm the EU itself, both economically and politically, while Georgia continues to strengthen its position.
Papuashvili also questioned where EU decisions concerning Georgia are actually being made, suggesting that they may be influenced not by Brussels directly but by individual informal groups exerting pressure on European governments and officials. He described the EU’s approach as politically immature and short-sighted, particularly given Georgia’s importance to European economic security.
