Addressing the 14th annual international conference in Batumi on Georgia’s European integration, EU Commissioner for Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič, praised the commitment of the Georgian authorities “towards building stronger relations with the EU, both economically and politically.”

In his speech, Šefčovič stressed on Georgia’s role “as frontrunner in the Eastern Partnership region” and as “an example of economic and societal resilience.”

“Enormous progress has been made in all fields, from the political, to the economic and trade part, to foreign and security policy since the Association Agreement fully entered into force in July 2016,” he said.

“Our association is clearly based on common values. We also share a common agenda, common interests and commitments to making our partnership even stronger in the coming months and years, and to continue Georgia’s political association and economic integration with the European Union,” Šefčovič added.

The Commissioner also spoke on the role of Georgia in the EU Energy Policy, saying that the country is “a key partner for the European energy security.”

“Its transit role for Caspian hydrocarbon resources to reach the European markets, notably via the Southern Gas Corridor, a priority project of the Energy Union, is of outmost importance,” Šefčovič noted, adding that “its realization and its possible future extension will provide significant mutual benefits.”

The Energy Commissioner also congratulated Georgia for joining the EU Energy Community. “The accession of Georgia to the Energy Community is a major achievement and another signal of Georgia choosing the European path,” he noted.

“In this context, the EU will continue supporting Georgia in the implementation of energy market reforms that will attract investments, enhance competition and improve both the sustainability and the security of the energy sector,” Šefčovič concluded.