Georgia’s strategic importance in Europe-Asia corridor cannot be ignored, says Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker

Nino Tsilosani, the vice speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, on Wednesday discussed the diverging paths of the European Union’s economic interests and its current political behavior model.

In her interview with Imedi TV, Tsilosani noted a growing disconnect between economic priorities and political actions in the EU since the start of the Russia-Ukraine War, arguing that the economic downturn and the severe crisis affecting both the EU and its individual member states did not begin with tensions in Iran, but rather during the war in Ukraine.

Tsilosani noted that the wave of sanctions imposed on Russia and the broader policy framework developed by EU leaders and bureaucrats were aimed at reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas and resources. However, she claimed that this shift significantly weakened the EU’s global competitive advantage. “If we look at data from the past three years, we see near-zero economic growth”, she said, pointing to particular challenges faced by Germany and the Baltic states.

She further criticized what she described as a misalignment between the interests of European citizens and the actions of their elected representatives. According to Tsilosani, instead of prioritizing national interests, some leaders appear to be following “shadow directives”, leading to a gap between economic needs and political decisions.

In this context, Tsilosani emphasized Georgia’s increasing geopolitical importance. She described the country as a vital link between Europe and Asia, highlighting its logistical infrastructure and transport capabilities. As a nation experiencing steady economic growth, Georgia represents, in her view, a factor that European countries and their leaders cannot ignore.