Dear guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to thank the Georgian Institute of Politics for this event and for what promises to be an interesting discussion about one of the principal topics of these days.

This is one of the first engagements of this kind in my current role in Georgia. I very much look forward to getting to know you all and I will work for the future cooperation and for the benefit of stronger EU-Georgia relations.

Today’s challenges for Georgia, the Black Sea region and Europe are fundamental. Our security, basic order and vision for the future are called into question by forces who wish to see a world of completely different kind. Different from what several European generations worked to build and different from what many Georgian generations fought to achieve.

The gravity of the challenge posed by the Russian invasion of Ukraine should be obvious to all of us. Constructing and sustaining a joint response to it is a matter of coordination, commitment and collective sacrifice by the democratic nations.

Over several months now, the European Union has worked with its Member States and partners to support Ukraine in different ways. An unprecedented solidarity and operability has resulted in a substantial change of the EU’s role as a security actor. The EU has for the first time from its creation provided for military support to a partner at war.

In financial terms, that support is measured in billions, directed at improving the resilience of Ukraine’s Armed Forces to defend their territory and to protect the civilian population. That comes on top of the direct military and other support provided to Ukraine on the bilateral basis by various European states.

Several European packages of restrictive measures and sanctions against Russia’s leaders and their enablers have put a significant toll on the Kremlin’s ability to wage war. Some of the measures take time to manifest but it is clear that Russia’s economy is hit very hard and the Russian regime pays a heavy toll as a result. As time goes by, Russia and its economy will be getting weaker and weaker.

At the same time, and very importantly, the European nations should gradually learn to live without economic and energy dependency on Russia.

Another, internal European angle to all of this has been a renewed strategic course in the areas of security and defence towards a more militarily capable European Union. The war on the European soil has bolstered a shared understanding of the need to step up defence capabilities. This already means practical commitments to increase rapid deployment capacity, more regular exercises, creating the EU Hybrid Toolbox, devoting more resources to Cyber Defence and next generation technologies, as well as building stronger multilateral and bilateral partnerships. Notably, the cooperation across the Atlantic has reached new, unprecedented highs. In short, the EU has become more mindful of its defence gaps and what it needs to do to bridge them.

Russia’s war against Ukraine is still ongoing and its eventual impact is yet to be understood. But, obviously, many things have already changed. The world looks in many was different from the European perspective and it looks different from the Georgian perspective also.

As the guns continue to be fired in Ukraine, taking lives and bringing more carnage, an obvious question is what that implies for Georgia and for the region. Georgia is already a victim of Russian aggression, with its troops stationed so close to where we are.

Being ready in a state of resilient security and democratic foundations is the best course of action. This is a high time for Georgia to strengthen its internal dimensions (the rule of law, crisis preparedness and democracy) and to deepen the alliances.

There are new regional dynamics that could provide for opportunities for Georgia to strengthen the long-term investment in peace through enhanced cooperation with its neighbours both along the Black Sea, the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Development of sustainable connectivity and transport, improving trade and business relations are potential positive vectors.

Strategic importance of the Black Sea region is difficult to underestimate now. It is clear that Russia wants to dominate this space at all costs and to the detriment of security and democracy on the continent. Russia should not be permitted to achieve its goals.

The food crisis and the energy crisis emanating from the Russian invasion of Ukraine have plainly demonstrated that the Black Sea Security is a policy with profound and far-reaching repercussions beyond the immediate vicinity. The region’s strategic importance is now visible to more decision-makers and independent thinkers. This will surely translate into new policies and a new kind of action.

The emerging ‘new thinking’ and possibly an emerging ‘new order’ is going to be filled with strategic opportunities for Georgia. The new security umbrellas, trade corridors and energy routes can bring new and profound benefits.

Over the past years, Georgia has been embedding itself in the European space in an ever-increasing manner. Many milestones have been met already, such as the Association Agreement, Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area, Visa Liberalisation and most recently, the historic milestone of gaining the European Perspective. I would like to stress here, that a lot of work is still ahead to seize that perspective. The twelve priorities were formulated for a reason. They will serve as the basis for Georgia’s further progress.

This homework is an essential element in order for Georgia to emerge as a stronger and more secure state. The changing geopolitics does not render domestic reforms less important. On the contrary.

This is an important moment for Georgia and for the region. Yes, it requires unprecedented effort and leadership, it requires patience, hard work, difficult decisions and perseverance.

Georgia is also not alone. The European Union will continue to be by your side. We are in this together. Thank you.