EU cable project shows Georgia remains vital to Black Sea connectivity, PM says

Georgia’s Prime Minister says the EU’s inclusion of a major Black Sea cable project on a key infrastructure list is fresh evidence of the country’s importance to regional energy and digital connectivity.

EU experts back Black Sea project

Irakli Kobakhidze said European Union specialists included the Black Sea submarine cable in the bloc’s list of “projects of common interest”. The planned link would carry electricity and internet data across the Black Sea.

According to Kobakhidze, its inclusion by technical experts shows that specialists in Brussels recognise Georgia’s central role in developing connectivity across the Black Sea.

Connecting the Caspian region with Europe

The cable project aims to connect Azerbaijan and the wider Caspian region with Europe via Georgia, bypassing Russia.

It would carry renewable electricity, primarily from Azerbaijan, to European markets while strengthening digital links between the regions.

Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye deepen ties

Kobakhidze also responded to recent comments by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, agreeing that stronger strategic ties between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye remain a priority, particularly in connectivity.

He said Georgia remains fully committed to strengthening that cooperation, pointing to positive momentum in relations with both Baku and Ankara.

Cable offers route for practical cooperation

The Prime Minister said he hoped the cable project would move forward as a matter of mutual interest despite continuing political and diplomatic tensions between Tbilisi and Brussels.

Those tensions date back to 2024, when the EU effectively froze Georgia’s accession process amid concerns over democratic backsliding. Tbilisi subsequently shelved membership talks until at least 2028.

Relations have remained strained, making the cable’s inclusion on the EU project list particularly significant for Kobakhidze. He presented the decision as evidence that practical cooperation can continue even while broader political relations remain at an impasse.

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