Georgia has officially taken over the rotating presidency of the Energy Community [an organisation bringing together EU and several non-EU member states to create an integrated pan-European energy market], in a ceremonial reception held in Vienna.

Having joined the Energy Community in 2017, this marks Georgia’s 1st time in the role of chair. The Community comprises 9 signatories to the agreement: Georgia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine.

“We celebrate Georgia’s assumption of the chairmanship, and I would like to emphasize that Georgia has thoroughly prepared for this day. Over the last three years, Georgia has made strides in fulfilling the commitments made upon joining the Community, leading with the legislative framework’s establishment required by the Energy Community. The presidency entails additional duties and responsibilities in guiding the processes within the member countries.

We believe that Georgia has the potential to be a leader and a principled player, which will lead us to success in 2025. Much work remains to be done regarding the integration of the Energy Community countries with EU markets, and we desperately need Georgia’s leadership and commitment, especially now, as the Energy Community confronts challenges stemming from Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and its subsequent negative repercussions on Ukrainian and Moldovan markets”, - said Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community.