Georgia must place its own security at the forefront and work toward restoring its territorial integrity, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili stated, stressing the need to guard against the harmful interests of foreign powers.

He noted that Georgia has a range of tools at its disposal, including cooperation with international organisations and engagement with various alliances.

Addressing the U.S. position outlined in its new security strategy—particularly regarding NATO—Papuashvili said Georgia has long sought clarity from the Alliance. “We have repeatedly said that the ball is entirely in NATO’s court. We have waited a long time for a clear answer. What does this ‘open-door policy’ really mean? If it means standing helplessly in a draft, exposed on both sides, then such a situation only increases risks for the state,” he remarked.

He highlighted contradictory signals within the Alliance, noting that while some statements point to a lack of consensus on enlargement, others insist that countries like Ukraine “will definitely join NATO,” yet concrete steps remain absent.

Papuashvili underscored that Ukrainians have been fighting—and sacrificing their lives—for more than three years in pursuit of NATO membership, still without a definitive yes or no. “People need to understand why they are risking their lives. Clear answers are essential,” he said.

He added that Georgia has consistently demonstrated its commitment to NATO by strengthening democratic institutions and participating in NATO-led missions even when some member states chose not to. “In many areas—anti-corruption, rule of law, institutional development—we are ahead of seven or eight NATO members. The ball has long been in NATO’s court. Above all, they owe answers to the Ukrainian people,” Papuashvili concluded.