Parliament official: EU candidacy will see Georgia contribute to Europe's energy security

David Songulashvili, the Chair of the Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee of the Georgian Parliament, on Monday said the European Council's positive decision on granting Georgia the European Union membership candidate status next month would allow the country to contribute to Europe's energy security.

Enhancing cooperation with the EU and its member states in the Energy sector has particular importance especially now, when Georgia is becoming an integral part of the EU enlargement policy. Further integration into the EU will provide a significant opportunity for Georgia to make substantial contributions to Europe's energy security”, he said.

Speaking at a conference of EU affairs committees of the national parliaments in Madrid, Spain, Songulashvili highlighted “advantageous” and “significant” environmental potential of Georgia for successful implementation of energy projects.

This potential, together with geographical advantages, can play an important role in wider European energy security”, the lawmaker said.

The Georgian official mentioned the Black Sea submarine electricity cable project, intended to connect the grids of the South Caucasus and European Union member states, and called it a “noteworthy initiative”. 

This project aims to facilitate the supply of electricity from renewable sources, effectively addressing challenges in the energy sector and overcoming the crisis”, he said.

Songulashvili added the legislative body was working on the Energy Independence Act, which would play a “crucial role” in fostering increased generation of green energy and the successful execution of “various energy projects”.