The Parliamentary Committee on European Integration expresses its deep concern over the cancellation of the invitation of the Georgian Parliament to the COSAC Conference [Conference of Parliamentary Committees for European Union Affairs] and states that the decision “undermines the spirit of dialogue and cooperation”.

The Chairman of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on European Integration addresses his Polish colleagues regarding their participation in the COSAC conference.

The letter states that the decision puts the constructive dialogue at risk and further aggravates the existing situation.

In addition, the Chairman of the Committee on European Integration, Levan Makhashvili, calls the decision to cancel the invitation of the Georgian Parliament to the COSAC conference regrettable and notes that there is no alternative to dialogue. It also notes that he is open to “substantive discussions in bilateral or multilateral formats” to discuss the issue with fact-based arguments and “not unfounded accusations and perceptions.”

“I express my deep concern about this decision, as it undermines the spirit of dialogue and cooperation – fundamental principles of the European Union, enshrined in its Treaties and in Article 1 of the COSAC Rules of Procedure. Furthermore, your decision sets a problematic institutional precedent for future COSAC events.

Georgia has laid a solid foundation for the irreversibility of Georgia’s European future, not only in words but also in deeds. The Committee on European Integration of the Georgian Parliament, on the basis of the Association Agreement with the European Union, has been carrying out the harmonization of Georgian legislation to that of the European Union since 2014. The newly elected Georgian Parliament is firmly continuing this process, ensuring that Georgia is better prepared for EU accession negotiations, once they open.”

“Moreover, I believe in the honorable status of the host country - to facilitate frank discussions and open dialogue, to encourage mutual listening and respect for politically sensitive issues. After all, our duty as parliamentarians is to build bridges of dialogue and understanding, even when this may seem challenging at other levels.

In addition, Poland was once a prominent supporter of the Eastern Partnership, an initiative of mutual benefit in terms of security, energy, people-to-people relations, trade and geopolitics. Such regrettable decisions by you could have a negative impact on the Eastern Partnership and undermine Poland's geopolitical leadership.

In view of the above, I received your letter with concern, as your decision puts the constructive dialogue at risk and further aggravates the current situation, as well as negatively affects the authority, credibility and leadership of the Polish Presidency. It may also set a problematic precedent for the future work of COSAC. Cutting off these opportunities will only create further obstacles to cooperation and the institutional development of COSAC.

Dear colleagues,

I regret your decision, but I firmly believe that there is no alternative to dialogue. I am open to meaningful discussions in bilateral or multilateral formats, in order to discuss the issue with fact-based arguments, not baseless accusations and perceptions. I also hope that we will be able to continue working together in the future in the spirit of constructive dialogue, in order to achieve joint positive results for our countries and nations in such difficult geopolitical times,” reads the letter of the Chairman of the Committee on European Integration, Levan Makhashvili.