The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia has expressed regret about the European Union’s decision to include the Kulevi oil refinery in its 21st sanctions package.
The Ministry stated in an official statement that during the drafting of the sanctions package, the Georgian side provided the European Commission with comprehensive documentation demonstrating that there are no factual or legal grounds to target the facility.
“Georgia remains fully mindful of the sanctioning regime imposed by the European Union and its broader context, taking all necessary measures to ensure that Georgian territory is not used to circumvent sanctions.
Cooperation with the EU in this area is founded on principles of transparency and openness,” the Foreign Ministry declared.
“Within the scope of this partnership, relevant Georgian authorities consistently ensure the timely provision of all necessary information and clarifications to EU institutions. The fact that not a single instance of EU sanctions evasion has been recorded on Georgian territory to date demonstrates the effective performance of Georgia’s state institutions.
During the preparation of the 21st sanctions package, the Georgian side submitted exhaustive information and supporting documentation to the European Commission, unequivocally confirming that placing the Kulevi oil refinery on the sanctions list lacks any factual or legal basis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia hopes that the relevant services of the European Commission and EU member states will apply fair standards throughout the designated six-month period and will reconsider their decision.
Georgia remains fully prepared to continue cooperating with EU institutions and sharing all necessary information,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated.
The Council of the European Union recently adopted its 21st package of restrictive measures, incorporating the oil refinery located in Kulevi, with a six-month implementation delay specified before the transaction ban takes effect.
