Maka Botchorishvili: “The Security of the European Union Cannot Be Ensured Without Peace and Stability in Its Neighbourhood”

On 23 April 2026, within the framework of the Delphi Economic Forum in the Hellenic Republic, the Deputy Prime Minister of Georgia, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Maka Botchorishvili, participated in a working session entitled - “The Shield of Enlargement: Security as the New Accession Pillar.”

In her address, the Minister elaborated on the issue of strengthening European security and emphasized that when discussing European security, a distinction should not be drawn between the European Union and countries beyond it, since the security of the European Union cannot be ensured without peace and stability in its neighborhood.

"First of all, when discussing security, it is essential to consider the challenges we face. When referring to European security, we should not draw distinction between the European Union 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,” Maka Botchorishvili noted.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs underscored that the Black Sea region and the South Caucasus are of critical importance to European security; moreover, contemporary security is no longer confined to a purely military dimension and instead requires a broader, multidimensional approach.

“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,” stated the Minister. 

Maka Botchorishvili devoted a significant part of her address to Georgia’s process of European integration: “Georgia’s path toward European integration is firm; it is a part of our identity and a historic choice. It is a choice based on values.”

The minister further emphasized that the enlargement process should be considered within a broader geopolitical context.

“ 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. Enlargement is not an end in itself. It is a tool we use to achieve something more significant - namely,  common  security and peace around us,” highlighted the Minister. 

Maka Botchorishvili also drew attention to the security challenges facing Georgia, including the occupation of its regions by Russia and the complex geopolitical environment.

“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,” stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

In conclusion, Maka Botchorishvili noted that Georgia will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure a solid foundation for its accession to the European Union.

“we are focused on development and on reforms that are essential for the country, in order to ultimately establish a firm foundation for accession to the European Union,” stated the Minister for Foreign Affairs. 

The working session was also attended by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, Mihai Popșoi; Member of the Hellenic Parliament, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Commissioner, Dimitris Avramopoulos; researcher at the Austrian Institute for International Affairs, Ivan Vejvoda; and Executive Director of the Europe Future Centre, Ivana Dragičević.

The audience was also addressed by the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos.