Levan Makhashvili, Chair of Georgia’s Parliamentary Committee on European Integration, has raised concerns over Poland’s decision to revoke Georgia’s invitation to a key European parliamentary conference, describing it as a setback for dialogue and cooperation within the European Union framework.
The invitation to the Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC), initially extended on December 6, 2024, was later rescinded on December 23, the MP said.
COSAC serves as a forum for fostering collaboration between EU member states and candidate countries on parliamentary issues.
In a formal letter addressed to Agnieszka Pomaska and Tomasz Grodski, chairs of the EU Affairs Committees of Poland’s Sejm and Senate respectively, Makhashvili expressed disappointment at the decision, calling it “a troubling institutional precedent” that “undermines the EU’s principles of dialogue and cooperation”.
“Georgia has demonstrated its commitment to the European integration process, both in its legislative alignment with the EU standards and its active participation in COSAC since 2014,” Makhashvili wrote.
He added that the withdrawal of the invitation could harm Poland’s credibility as the host nation while setting a divisive tone for future COSAC events.
He noted Georgia had been a consistent participant in COSAC meetings following its 2014 Association Agreement with the EU and the Georgian Parliament had prioritized harmonizing national laws with EU standards.
Highlighting the significance of COSAC as a platform for mutual understanding, Makhashvili noted that excluding Georgia contradicted the spirit of inclusivity essential to tackling shared challenges in the region. “The decision reduces constructive dialogue and risks escalating divisions rather than fostering solutions,” he claimed.
Makhashvili further warned that decisions such as this could weaken Poland’s geopolitical influence in the region and hinder progress on security, trade, and energy cooperation under the EaP framework.
The Georgian official emphasized that his country remained committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting constitutional rights, aligning with EU standards. He called for renewed dialogue and constructive engagement, saying, “there is no alternative to dialogue”.
Makhashvili concluded his letter with an appeal for “open and substantive” discussions to address differences, stressing the need for unity during challenging geopolitical times.
