Maka Botchorishvili delivered a speech at a working session of the Delphi Economic Forum entitled “The Shield of Enlargement: Security as the New Accession Pillar.”

First of all, when discussing security, it is essential to consider the challenges we currently face.

When referring to European security, we should not draw a distinction between European Union member states and the countries that are outside of the European Union, as we share common needs and common interests. 

Security is a necessity, required by all. Experience has already demonstrated this.

If we look at the events that unfolded in Georgia in 2008 and prior to that, as well as the impact of the war in Ukraine on the European security architecture, it becomes evident that the security of the European Union cannot be ensured without peace and stability in its neighbourhood.

From Georgia’s perspective, we can similarly argue that the country’s security cannot be considered in isolation from the security of the European Union.

That is precisely why, when it comes to European security, we must think and act together.

Today, security is no longer understood solely in terms of military power and capabilities; its concept necessarily encompasses economic resilience, connectivity, and sustainable development.

If we look at the map and reflect on European security, we can discern a thin yet critically important line for Europe that runs through the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus.

This is a very important region for European security. We perceive it as such because we consider ourselves part of the European security architecture. This naturally leads us to a discussion of enlargement.

Georgia’s European integration is a firmly defined path - it is part of our identity and our historical choice. This choice is based on values.

Of course, we cannot ignore or relegate to the background the fundamental principles on which we need to work during the enlargement process. This is of essential importance. However, we must also bear in mind that enlargement is a geopolitical process and a geopolitical necessity, and it must not fall victim to narrow bureaucratic or technocratic approaches.

This is particularly important, because if we allow developments to proceed in such a manner, we risk undermining the very idea of enlargement itself and the purpose for which we need it.

Enlargement is not an end in itself; it is a tool we use to achieve something more significant. And it is now increasingly evident that this greater objective is our shared security and the common peace around us.

Georgia remains firmly committed to the path of European integration, and this is clear. However, we are also confronted with situations in which this process is subject to instrumentalization, which must be avoided, as it undermines the entire process.

Very often, issues that are of critical importance both for Georgia and for the European Union are used as tools or weapons. When European integration is turned into weapons, the entire process is undermined.

This is something that must be fully understood, so that we do not damage the broader process and do not undermine the very idea of enlargement.

Taking security challenges into account, is it possible to implement reforms and achieve tangible results? Yes, it is possible, but it certainly requires twice the effort.

It has already been noted, and I would like to remind, especially the young people present here, that two regions of Georgia are occupied by the Russian Federation. Since gaining independence, we have gone through several wars. If you look at the map, you will see that Georgia exists in an extremely difficult geopolitical environment.

Even under these conditions, through a consistently firm policy, we have managed to preserve peace in the country, ensure stability, and safeguard democratic institutions despite numerous attacks against them.

We have also achieved sustainable development, which implies steady economic growth, and this is of paramount importance. It is likewise significant in the context of European Union enlargement, because without a solid economic foundation, the implementation of certain reforms and the attainment of progress becomes highly difficult.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that we are focused on development and on reforms that are essential for the country, in order to finally establish a firm foundation for accession to the European Union.