The European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) and JSC Georgian State Electrosystem have signed a long-term bilateral Cooperation Agreement,- Georgian State Electrosystem told InterPressNews.

According to the company, the European Network of Transmission System Operators unifies 43 transmission system operators represented in 36 countries and aims to ensure optimal and stable functioning of the internal energy market through determination of common policies and directions, technical cooperation between transmission system operators and development of long-term network rules.

In 2018, ENTSO-E positively assessed the important steps taken by Georgia to ensure that its internal energy market complies with European standards, and especially the signing of the Protocol on Georgia’s Accession with the EnergyCommunityFounding Treaty. Therefore, ENTSO-E offered GSE a three-year cooperation program aimed at gradual preparation of non-member transmission system operators for the status of observer. In the frames of the Cooperation Agreement, the parties agreed to conduct trainings, conferences and working meetings tailored to the needs of GSE for the purpose of sharing knowledge and experience. The trainings and working meetings will be organized within the next three years from May 2019.

Signing of the Cooperation Agreement with the European Network of Transmission System Operators is an important step forward taken by GSE for the country's energy sustainability. In the frames of cooperation with ENTSO-E, JSC Georgian State Electrosystem will be able to deepen cooperation with individual transmission system operators throughout Europe. That will promote both professional and institutional capacity and long-term development prospects, increase the possibility of attracting investments in the country and enhance energy cooperation with the EU.