Paghava: Georgia has never deviated from its European integration path despite security challenges

Georgia has remained committed to its European integration course despite facing “significant” security challenges in a region shaped by geopolitical tensions and Russia's war against Ukraine, Deputy Chair of the Georgian Parliament's European Integration Committee Tornike Paghava said at a conference of EU candidate countries in North Macedonia.

Addressing the Conference of Parliamentary Committees on European Integration of the Parliaments of the Western Balkans EU Candidate Countries (COSAP), Paghava said Georgia's pursuit of European Union membership remained a strategic choice rooted in peace, stability, the rule of law and democratic development.

"Despite serious security challenges, we have never deviated from the path of European integration. We have implemented complex reforms that have made Georgia a regional leader in a number of areas," Paghava said.

Speaking to representatives from EU candidate countries, Paghava highlighted Georgia's geopolitical importance within the EU's enlargement policy, arguing that the country's stability and security are important not only for the South Caucasus but also for Europe's broader security architecture.

He described the Black Sea as a strategic bridge linking Europe and Asia rather than a dividing line, and said Georgia plays an important role in transport, digital and energy connectivity corridors that contribute to Europe's energy security, economic resilience and regional interconnectedness.

"Georgia is not only a beneficiary of European security, but also an active contributor to it," he said, pointing to the country's participation in international peacekeeping missions and its programme of reforms.

Paghava noted that Georgia's receipt of EU candidate status in 2023 marked a historic milestone, while acknowledging that substantial work remains ahead on the accession path.

He also stressed the importance of sharing knowledge, best practices and experience among countries seeking EU membership, describing the Western Balkans' experience as particularly valuable for Georgia.

"We closely study your achievements and challenges and, at the same time, stand ready to share our own success stories on the path towards European integration," he said.

The Georgian lawmaker added that Tbilisi was prepared to deepen cooperation with Western Balkan countries in pursuit of a “stronger, safer and more united Europe”.

A delegation from the Georgian Parliament's European Integration Committee is participating in the COSAP conference, which is being held in Struga, North Macedonia, from 4 to 6 June.