Georgian Parliament official: geography can’t be denied - Middle Corridor impossible without Georgia partnership

Davit Matikashvili, the chair of the parliamentary committee on procedural issues and rules, on Tuesday said Georgia was playing a crucial role in Europe’s energy and connectivity projects, stressing that its geographical position made it indispensable for the Middle Corridor.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Matikashvili commented on the decision by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union to grant Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) status to the Black Sea submarine cable project.

He argued that without cooperation with Georgia, the implementation of major economic and transport projects connecting Europe and Asia would be extremely difficult.

“It is clear that the energy that will be made available to the European Union through this cable will increase their energy independence, which is extremely important in political terms. In this context, geography cannot be denied - no one can change Georgia’s geographical location - and for our European colleagues it will be even more important to consider that without partnership with Georgia, launching the Middle Corridor and implementing economic projects beneficial for European citizens will be very difficult and practically impossible”, Matikashvili said.

The official also suggested that the project could encourage European policymakers to reassess their approach toward Georgia, particularly in the context of political relations, and recognise the country’s strategic importance.