EU Ambassadors Inform Economy Minister of Demarche on Direct Flights with Russia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Levan Davitashvili, met with ambassadors representing the member states of the European Union. During the meeting, the ambassadors conveyed the position of the 27 member countries, informing the minister on their demarche regarding Georgia's decision to accept direct flights with Russia.
Pawel Herczynski, the Ambassador of the European Union, together with ambassadors representing all EU countries conveyed their collective regret over the decision made by the Georgian government to accept direct flights from Russia. It was emphasized that this decision stands in direct contradiction to the unanimous agreement reached by all 27 member states, which clearly stipulated the avoidance of direct flights to and from Russia, as well as the prohibition of Russian aircraft crossing EU airspace.
Furthermore, the ambassadors expressed deep concern that this decision undermined the concerted efforts to isolate Russia and exert pressure on the country to alter its behavior, particularly in light of the ongoing brutal and aggressive war Russia has been waging in Ukraine. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a united front and upholding the determined stance against such actions.
Herczynski emphasized the importance of acknowledging that while Russia took the unilateral decision to resume flights with Georgia, it was crucial to understand that the approval of the Georgian government was also necessary for implementation of these flights.
According to Herczynski, The European Union ambassadors emphasized the significance of maintaining solidarity among member states and adhering to the unanimous decisions taken in order to effectively address and respond to the challenges posed by Russia's actions.
Pawel Herczynski emphasized that despite the arguments put forth by the Georgian government, which included assurances that no sanctioned or Western-produced aircraft would be used, these arguments lacked a broader political significance.
"On the Georgian side, the Vice Prime Minister mentioned the arguments that we have already heard, that the Georgian government ensures that neither sanctioned aircraft nor aircraft produced in the West are used. Unfortunately, this lacks a larger political essence. I would like to remind you that the European Union has collectively decided to ban all flights from and to Russia, of all types, within the territory of the European Union. And this is a very important step for all 27 member states and other partner countries to put pressure on Russia and change Russia's behavior towards Ukraine," Herczynski said.
Herczynski stated that he is unaware of any discussions within the European Union regarding the imposition of sanctions on the Georgian government. He acknowledged that the development was viewed unfavorably but mentioned that it would be up to the 27 EU member states to evaluate the potential impact on Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union.
