Georgian Parliament official: NATO’s Eastern expansion ended, as reflected in new US National Security Strategy

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration, on Tuesday stated that the new US National Security Strategy confirmed the end of NATO’s Eastern expansion and reflected the policy the US had been pursuing for years.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Makhashvili argued that the updated US strategic document formalised a long-standing shift in American security policy.

“The US’s new National Security Strategy has effectively documented the policy that America has been following over the past several years”, he said.

He claimed that the era of NATO enlargement toward the East was over, stressing that Georgia’s cautious foreign policy in recent years has proven to be the correct approach.

“Perhaps one or two countries in the Balkans may theoretically join in the future, but unfortunately, NATO’s Eastern expansion is over. And this is now formalised in a document. In words, society has heard many promises and nice statements about NATO expansion, but in reality, no concrete steps were taken eastward. We have repeatedly mentioned and compared Georgia’s contribution to NATO and, more broadly, the sacrifices the country has made for global security, and the sacrifices Ukraine is making today”, he noted.

The official argued that a more aggressive approach by Georgia could have led to a repeat of the 2008 war, bringing severe security consequences without tangible benefit.

“This new strategy has probably erased all illusions that our so-called opposition had - those who were urging a harsher rhetoric. Today, we woke up to a somewhat different reality and must view these processes differently. Georgia’s position and stance in recent years were correct, because had we been more aggressive or active in this direction, we would likely have repeated the same scenario as the 2008 war - and for what? In the end, for nothing”, he said.

Makhashvili also emphasised that Georgia, as a small state, must manage its foreign policy as cautiously, rationally, and balanced as possible, avoiding emotional decisions.

“Otherwise, we would face very serious security challenges, similar to those Ukraine is confronting today. This is the scenario that could have awaited us”, he concluded.