The Parliamentary Delegation, composed of the Chair of the Sector Economy and Economic Policy Committee, David Songulashvili, the Chair of the EU Integration Committee, Maka Botchorishvili and MP Anton Obolashvili participated in the 35th European Region Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of La Francophonie in Athens, Greece.

The Head of the Parliamentary Delegation, D. Songulashvili addressed the attendees of the Assembly speaking about the importance of the EU candidate status and energy projects of Georgia.

“Today, Georgia is getting through one of the most important periods in the history of independence – we anticipate the response about the EU candidacy. We manifest excellent commitment in terms of the undertaken reforms and other legal initiatives. Our country is a frontrunner according to all respective criteria, which is crowned with the fulfillment of 12 paragraphs. In this regard, our Government spared no effort to, during the last 6 months, ensure diligent compliance with all paragraphs and hence, we cherish the greatest expectations for the deserved status, which is backed by an absolute majority of our population. Europe, the same values, same lifestyle, culture and aspiration to education constitute their choice. The potential and perspective of our country are invaluable for Europe indeed, similar to their support for us”, - he stated.

According to him, Georgia plays a special role in the energy security of Europe and in addressing the energy crisis, sufficient to say the Black Sea submarine cabling project.

“However, our path teemed with complications. During these three decades of independent Georgia, we can recall solely the shortest periods when we enjoyed peace, stability, economic progress and global projects. During this period, my country experienced several wars with Russia, Russia still occupies 20% of our territory and we, on a daily basis, encounter the creeping occupation but we have never hesitated to push through the challenges toward victory in the economic, educational cultural, infrastructural and other directions. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Parliament of Greece for organizing this meeting and wish productive activity”, - he ended.

The central topic of the Assembly was “War in the Middle of Europe, To a New World Order?” The Assembly was attended by the delegates of 24 member states and regional Parliaments.