Geocase, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Foreign Policy Association (UFPA), organized an online conference focused on "The Integration of Ukraine and Georgia into the EU and the New Architecture of European Security." The event featured insightful discussions on key topics related to the integration of both countries into the European Union and the evolving framework for European security.

The conference, moderated by Geocase Chairman Mr. Victor Kipiani, and featuring a welcome address by Mr. Volodymyr Khandohiy, President of UFPA, brought together esteemed speakers to explore critical aspects of European security and the integration process.

Distinguished speakers included:

• Mr. Ihor Dolhov, Former Ambassador of Ukraine to Georgia
• Mr. Ioseb Nanobashvili, Regional Director of the European Public Law Organization (EPLO) and member of the Geocase Advisory Board
• Mr. Nikoloz Khatiashvili, Foreign Policy Research Fellow and International Secretary of Geocase

Ambassador Ihor Dolhov stressed that Ukraine is and will be the pillar of the European security architecture. He also summed up the way the European approach to the security of Ukraine and in the region has evolved, starting with the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, next to the annexation of Crimea and starting a proxy war in Donbas back in 2014 and ending with 2022 fully scale Russian invasion to Ukraine. Ambassador Dolhov has demonstrated - based on specific examples and facts – a transformation in political and military thinking by the EU from a cautious and ineffective one to bold actions practically resulting in direct military support to Ukraine. Some helpful observations were also made concerning the EU becoming even more vocal when it comes to ensuring the security of Ukraine and Georgia. “The EU became a global player. Now the ideology of the EU is not about the development of partnerships with Africa, Latin America, or the Caribbeans; the EU is about the protection and defense of Europe, including involvement in Ukraine. To achieve or move towards that aim, the EU has to do a lot of things internally, not only to adopt new members like Ukraine and Georgia but also to implement internal changes, to be able to cope with problems and issues on the table”, - he noted.

Mr. Volodymyr Khandohiy highlighted the significance of the geopolitical context, expressing a shared understanding that Ukraine's integration into modern Europe, including its structures, is crucial for regional security. He emphasized that President Zelensky's statement, highlighting the inseparable link between Ukraine's participation in European structures and overall European security, underscores the geopolitical importance of Ukraine's integration. Mr. Khandohiy stated, "The EU's heightened focus on not only economic but also political and geopolitical aspects aligns with the notion that Ukraine's membership in the European Union is indispensable for regional security."

Mr. Ioseb Nanobashvili addressed the complexities of EU decision-making in the context of enlargement, discussing the process of managing "enlargement fatigue" and providing a political and legal analysis of the European Union's absorption capacity. “I also agree with the opinion that the EU experiences quite significant internal problems when it comes to the decision-making process. But as I can observe, the EU is going towards more flexible decision-making procedures and apart from this clause of a treaty on EU, Article 31, which refers to constructive abstention, the EU is firmly making steps towards more effective application of the double fortified majority rule rather than consensus principle. I hope that steps toward this direction will be more and more meaningful,” – he noted.

Mr. Nikoloz Khatiashvili delved into Georgia's role in European security, discussing geopolitical and security implications, with a focus on the Black Sea factor. “As Europe faces evolving challenges, Georgia's multi-faceted contributions are integral to fostering a secure and interconnected continent. The importance of enlargement for European security, especially in the Black Sea region, is emphasized, and strategic decisions are called for to capitalize on the momentum and ensure long-term positive consequences for European security." – mentioned Mr. Khatiashvili.

Mr. Victor Kipiani emphasized that “Ukraine is and will remain a very significant and fundamental pillar of the European security design. Therefore, Ukrainian efforts should be fully appreciated, and expectations of Ukraine in terms of adequacy, assistance, and various contributions to enhance Ukrainian defense and security should be duly and timely respected".

The subsequent Q&A session engaged participants in a comprehensive discussion on the geopolitical content of the decision made on 14 December 2023 and its potential impact on integration dynamics. The practical value of joint efforts within the renewed Associated Trio was explicitly highlighted.

The conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions, valuable insights, and a shared commitment to fostering closer ties between Ukraine, Georgia, and the European Union.

See the conference recording