Parliament Committee Chair expresses “deep concern” over decision to “no longer support” invitation to participate in COSAC conference in letter to Polish counterparts

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Committee on European Integration of the Georgian Parliament, on Monday addressed Agnieszka Pomaska, the Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Sejm of Poland, Tomasz Grodski, the Chair of the European Union Affairs Committee of the Senate of Poland, and the Chairs of EU Affairs Committees of the Parliaments of COSAC member and observer countries, regarding the decision to no longer support the invitation to participate in the COSAC conference, “despite the fact that the Georgian delegation is entitled to two representatives”.

“I express my deep concern on this decision as it undermines the spirit of dialogue and cooperation - fundamental pillars of the European Union enshrined in its treaties and in Article 1 of COSAC’s Rules of Procedure, and establishes a troubling institutional precedent for future COSAC events.

Georgia has created a solid foundation for the irreversibility of Georgia's European future, not only in words but in deed and in truth. The Committee on European Integration of the Georgian Parliament has been committed to harmonizing the EU acquis communautaire based on the EU-Georgia Association Agreement since 2014. And the new convocation of Parliament firmly continues this process that will ensure Georgia’s better preparedness for swift EU accession talks once they are launched.

The Conference of Parliamentary Committees for Union Affairs of Parliaments of the European Union (COSAC) has played a vital role as a platform for fostering dialogue between the EU member states and countries like Georgia on our European integration path. It has provided an invaluable opportunity to enhance mutual understanding, share experiences, and discuss challenges within the broader European context on a parliamentary dimension.

Since 2014, after signing the Association Agreement, the Parliament of Georgia has had a strong track record of constructive and result-oriented participation in COSAC positively affecting both our region and the EU as a whole.

Georgia, as a EU candidate country, remains committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring public order, and protecting citizens’ constitutional rights, similar to any other EU member or candidate country. And while we may not agree in our assessment of developments in Georgia, the COSAC conference presents a valuable opportunity for dialogue, not for division.
Moreover, I believe in an honourable status of a host country to facilitate frank discussions and open dialogue, encourage listening and respect to political sensitivities. Afterall, it is our duty as parliamentarians to build bridges of dialogue and mutual understanding when it may seem challenging on other levels.
In addition, Poland once was a vocal champion of the Eastern Partnership, a mutually beneficial initiative in terms of security, energy, P2P, trade and geopolitics. Such regrettable decisions of the honourable Polish representatives may also have a negative impact on the EaP and undermine the Polish geopolitical leadership.

It was with this background that I received your letter with concern as your decision risks reducing the constructive dialogue, inadvertently escalating the existing situation, and having a negative impact on authority, credibility and leadership of the host country, the Republic of Poland. It may also have a troubling precedent for future COSAC activities. Cutting off these opportunities only creates further obstacles to cooperation as well as COSAC’s institutional development.

While I deeply regret your decision, I strongly believe there is no alternative to dialogue. I remain open to substantive discussions in bilateral or multilateral formats whereas we can draw meaningful inferences from arguments based on facts and not baseless allegations or perceptions. I also remain hopeful that we can continue to work together in the future in the spirit of constructive dialogue, striving for mutually positive outcomes for our countries and nations in such tumultuous geopolitical times”, Makhashvili said in a letter.