MINISTRY OF ECONOMY
AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OF GEORGIA

Vice Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Levan Davitashvili and European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson held the first meeting in the format of high-level energy dialogue. The First Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Romeo Mikautadze, the Deputy Minister Genadi Arveladze, the Chairman of the National Regulatory Commission for Energy and Water Supply of Georgia Davit Narmania and the EU Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński also participated in the meeting.

Launching of the high-level energy dialogue between the European Union and Georgia is particularly important for Georgia considering the crucial stage in the process of receiving the EU candidate country status. Levan Davitashvili thanked the European Commissioner, Kadri Simson for her support in this process. As the Vice Prime Minister noted, now is a decisive stage in terms of European integration of Georgia, not only in terms of politics, but also in the field of energy and sustainable development.

“This decision is a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to common values, resilience and democratic principles. Our strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia as well as rich energy resources make us an important actor in the regional energy landscape. We are ready to use this opportunity for further alignment with the ambitious energy goals of the European Union and the European Green Agreement,” – the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development stated while talking to the European Commissioner.

Launching of the high-level energy dialogue was preceded by intensive communication and cooperation between the EU and Georgia in the direction of energy legislation, regulations and energy policy, as well as improvement of energy infrastructure. The conversation focused on further deepening of cooperation between the European Union and Georgia in the energy sector, development of connectivity and current or planned reforms in the energy sector of Georgia, energy efficiency and development of renewable energy. The meeting also touched on large, important projects and a special emphasis was placed on the Black Sea Submarine Electric Cable Project.

“The milestone of the common energy future is the innovative project of the Black Sea Submarine Electric Cable Project. This initiative is more than just infrastructure development. It is a symbol of our integration and interconnectedness with the European Union. Directly connected to the European Union energy network of Georgia, this cable will not only strengthen energy security and diversity, but will also be a channel for the exchange of renewable energy and a step towards a more durable, sustainable energy future of our region,” – Levan Davitashvili noted.

The parties expressed hope that the thematic discussions held within the framework of the high-level energy dialogue will contribute to further rapprochement and deepening of cooperation between the European Union and Georgia in the energy sector.

Vice Prime Minister Levan Davitashvili and European Commissioner Kadri Simson also visited the Kartli Wind Power Plant, which was implemented with the financial support of the European Union.