The sixth high-level EU–Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue took place on 23 January in Brussels.

It reflected the strong level of commitment by both parties to take the cooperation forward in the field of foreign and security policy, in line with the EU-Georgia Association Agreement and the new strategic phase of EU-Georgia relations, following the decision of the European Council of December 2023 to grant the status of candidate country to Georgia.

The sides discussed the positive dynamics of and further priorities for cooperation in the fields of security and defence, including support for building Georgia’s security resilience to address hybrid threats. The sides also exchanged views on promoting maritime security in the Black Sea, in line with the Strategic Compass.    

The participants discussed the consequences of the conflict between Russia and Georgia in August 2008, and the potential for the peaceful conflict resolution efforts, including the reconciliation between the conflict-affected populations. The current situation in the occupied breakaway regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia was reviewed. Both sides stressed the necessity of the implementation of the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 ceasefire Agreement by Russia, and effective functioning of the Geneva International Discussions. They once again highlighted the important role of the EU Monitoring Mission in observing the implementation of the ceasefire Agreement and contributing to peace and security in Georgia, and underlined the necessity of ensuring the full implementation of its mandate throughout the whole territory of Georgia. The European Union reaffirmed its unwavering support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.

The EU and Georgia also exchanged views on foreign policy issues, including the repercussions of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the South Caucasus, Middle East and the wider region, as well as cooperation in the field of security and defence. Against the backdrop of existing geopolitical context, they reaffirmed the shared interest of developing alternative transportation and energy supply routes including in the Black Sea through Georgia.

Deputy Secretary-General of the EEAS Enrique Mora, who co-chaired the meeting on the EU side, said: “In the context of persistent regional and global security challenges, the meeting confirmed our resolve to continue our close cooperation on security and defence. The EU continues to be fully committed to peaceful conflict resolution in Georgia and we firmly support Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The EU wants to actively contribute to durable and comprehensive settlements of all conflicts in the region. We welcome the decision of the European Council to grant the status of candidate country to Georgia and we expect Georgia to further increase its alignment on foreign policy, as an expression of its strategic choice for EU membership”.

First Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia, who co-chaired the meeting on the Georgian side, said: “Since gaining the EU membership candidate status last December, our relations with the EU have moved to a new strategic phase. We shared concrete ideas to enhance our cooperation in security and defence, as Georgia remains a devoted security partner and ally to the EU in the wider region. Naturally, we discussed Russia’s illegal occupation, steps towards incorporation of both regions into Russia’s political, military, economic, judicial, social and other spheres and daily provocations, which continue to pose major security threat with humanitarian and human rights implications. We emphasised the necessity of peaceful settlement of the Russia-Georgia conflict and stressed the importance of increased EU’s resolved engagement and our joint efforts in this process”.

The high-level EU–Georgia Strategic Security Dialogue is held once a year and covers issues of common interest in the field of foreign and security policy, including Common Security and Defence Policy.