Georgia Participates in EPC Summit Amid Danish Criticism of Democratic Backsliding
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, October 3, 2025
Georgia took part in the seventh European Political Community (EPC) Summit in Copenhagen on October 2, with Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze highlighting the country's transit potential, even as Denmark reiterated EU concerns over Georgia's democratic trajectory.
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Georgia's invitation followed the format used by the previous six EPC host countries, including Albania earlier this year. In its statement, Denmark underlined that the EPC is not an EU-format meeting and does not alter EU policy toward Georgia. "The EU and Denmark have at multiple occasions expressed our concern over the human rights situation and general democratic backslide in Georgia," the ministry said, stressing that the framework does not imply endorsement of Tbilisi's domestic policies.
Despite the critical tone, Prime Minister Kobakhidze took part in a roundtable discussion on "Economic Security - Reducing European Dependencies," where he promoted Georgia's role in the Middle Corridor as a key East-West transport link. "Georgia's goal is to further develop the Middle Corridor by improving its efficiency, thereby strengthening the role of the corridor as a reliable and competitive East-West transport route," he said. He emphasized Georgia's "strategic location" and the country's contribution to diversified global supply chains, particularly in critical minerals.
Kobakhidze also highlighted infrastructure projects under way, including the Anaklia deep-sea port and the modernization of the national railway, which he said will improve Georgia's logistics capacity. "Through its port, railway and highway systems, our country facilitates the rapid movement of cargo and increases the competitiveness of the corridor, which strengthens Georgia's role in global supply chains," he noted.
The session was co-chaired by the prime ministers of Iceland and Ireland and included high-level participants such as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco, and leaders from Switzerland, Slovenia, Cyprus, Montenegro, and Greenland.
The Copenhagen summit brought together leaders from all 27 EU member states and 22 partner countries, including the UK, Ukraine, Turkey, and Norway. While Denmark underscored concerns about Georgia's internal political environment, Tbilisi used the platform to present itself as a reliable economic and transit partner in the wider European security framework.
