A Greek diplomat was appointed its head. “European Union non-military mission in Georgia” (EU Monitoring Mission in GEORGIA)a fact that reflects the confidence in proximity in Brussels and the perception in Athens of the situation in Caucasus. In particular, it was decided to appoint Ambassador Dimitris Karabalis, an excellent connoisseur of the Caucasus region, as he worked as an ambassador to Georgia, and since 2021 he is the director of the nervous department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in charge of Russia and the Caucasus (A5). The EE mission in Georgia began in 2008, shortly after the Russian invasion of the northern part of the country, especially the South Ossetia region, which led to its unilateral separation without international recognition and with Moscow as its only backer. From 2008 to the present, the presence of the EU in Georgia has created a positive dynamic in relations between Tbilisi and Brussels. In the midst of the war in Ukraine, when Russia is in the process of redefining its relationship with the Western world, it is clear that such missions are extremely important.

Sources in the Foreign Ministry stated that the appointment of the Greek Ambassador by the European Council to this specific position is, among other things, the recognition of our country as a factor contributing to stability and peace in a region critical for Europe. The same sources stated that the competent department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, following the instructions of Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, actively promoted the participation of Greeks in EU civilian missions, tripling the percentage of our country’s participation. them during 2022. Among the missions in which Greece is now actively involved with its diplomatic staff are areas such as Libya in North Africa, Somalia in the Horn of Africa, Ukraine in Eastern Europe and Kosovo in the Western Balkans.