Georgia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed regret over the European Union’s decision to include the Kulevi oil terminal in its 21st sanctions package against Russia, saying it hopes the measure will be reconsidered.
In a statement, the ministry said Georgia fully complies with the EU’s sanctions regime and has taken all necessary steps to ensure that its territory is not used to circumvent restrictive measures.
Ministry says cooperation with the EU in enforcing sanctions is based on transparency and openness, with Georgian authorities regularly providing EU institutions with all requested information and explanations.
The ministry also stressed that no cases of EU sanctions evasion have been identified in Georgia to date, describing this as evidence of the effective work of the country’s state institutions.
It added that, during the preparation of the EU’s 21st sanctions package, Georgia submitted comprehensive information and supporting documentation to the European Commission, arguing that there were neither factual nor legal grounds for placing the Kulevi oil terminal on the sanctions list.
The Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the European Commission and EU member states would review the decision during the six-month period stipulated by the sanctions framework and be guided by the principle of fairness.
“Georgia remains ready to cooperate with EU institutions and provide all necessary information,” the ministry said.
