Georgian Economy Minister emphasises importance of Black Sea submarine cable project for EU integration

Georgian Economy Minister Levan Davitashvili on Tuesday highlighted the importance of facilitating the project for the Black Sea submarine cable, which aims to create a new transmission route to deliver green energy from the South Caucasus to Europe, for the country’s integration into the European Union.

Four countries have united to implement this ambitious project, which will significantly enhance energy security for Europe, the South Caucasus, and the entire region”, Davitashvili told the 8th ministerial session on the project in Bucharest.

Emphasising the transition to renewable energy, the Minister highlighted the importance of the project within the context of the EU's energy goals.

The transition to green energy is the most important agenda item for EU member states and for Georgia as a candidate country," he stated, underscoring “productive” outcomes of the meeting.

The Ministry of Economy said the participating nations – Georgia, Azerbaijan, Romania and Hungary – signed an agreement to establish a joint venture between transmission system operators during the ministerial meeting.

It is symbolic that the enterprise will be based in Bucharest, because Romania plays the most important role in the project”, Davitashvili told the conference.

The Minister also noted the project held “strategic importance” due to the lack of direct land borders between the participating countries and the bloc.

A special importance is given to this project because we do not share a direct land border with the EU; the Black Sea is our only connection. Access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy from the South Caucasus is crucial”, Davitashvili said.

It is worth noting that significant efforts are being made in Georgia and Azerbaijan to develop renewable energy sources. We are working on new projects focused on hydroelectric power plants, as well as solar and wind plants. Together, we aim to become a dependable supplier of green energy to the EU”, he added.

During the meeting, ministers of the four countries and a representative of the European Commission signed an amendment protocol to the agreement on strategic partnership for green energy development and transmission between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and Hungary.