When will Georgia join NATO

35

For many years Georgia has been striving to join NATO, but this has not yet been done. There are various military-political, military-technical and other factors that prevent this country from obtaining membership in the organization. Nevertheless, NATO and Georgia have already concluded a number of agreements stipulating cooperation in various spheres. Various activities are being carried out, the construction of the necessary facilities is underway.

Membership issues


Georgia began cooperating with NATO in 1994, when it became one of the first participants in the Partnership for Peace program. Various activities were carried out over the next few years, but cooperation was generally limited. Only in 2001, within the framework of the PfP, joint exercises began. The next year, 2002, the Georgian leadership officially announced its desire to join the Alliance.



In 2004, the Individual Partnership Action Plan with NATO was adopted, which stipulated measures for the country's entry into the organization. In 2006-2008. a number of bilateral preparation events took place, but then problems arose in a number of areas. In August 2008, another one was added to them - Abkhazia and South Ossetia again showed their de facto independence. Without resolving all issues of territorial integrity, Georgia cannot join NATO.


Georgian fighters and NATO equipment during exercises in 2003

However, cooperation between the state and the Alliance continued. In the fall of 2008, the NATO-Georgia Commission began its work, whose task was to restore and reform the Georgian military potential. Soon Georgia resumed participation in international educational and other events. Such processes continue to this day, and both sides benefit from cooperation as much as possible. However, Georgia's membership in the Alliance is still viewed as an uncertain future.

Collaboration work


Such difficulties do not prevent Georgia and NATO from cooperating and carrying out rather active actions for more than 15 years. The Georgian army is regularly involved in international exercises and real operations. In addition, the Georgian military infrastructure - both existing and newly built facilities - is actively used in the interests of NATO.

In August 2003, the Georgian army joined the NATO operation in Iraq. A year later, the military went to Afghanistan to serve with the ISAF contingent. In this operation, Georgia was initially represented by only one reinforced platoon of 50 soldiers and officers. Subsequently, the division increased, and by mid-2013 its number exceeded 1500 people. At the end of 2014, reductions began, and so far there are only 870 Georgian troops working in Afghanistan. Service in Iraq and Afghanistan was organized on a rotational basis, and over 15 years at least 13-15 thousand people have been on business trips.


Field camp of the Georgian army and the USMC at the Immediate Response 2008 exercise

In 2012, the first exercises of the Agile Spirit series were held at Georgian training grounds with the participation of representatives of several NATO countries. These maneuvers are now held annually and showcase the success of the Georgian army in modernization according to NATO standards. In addition, the interaction of the Alliance countries and the state that is only striving to join is being worked out.

In 2015, the first Noble Partner command post exercise took place with the same objectives. Later, these events became annual. A year later, another series of NATO-Georgia exercises was launched. The plans of the exercises gradually changed, and by now we are talking about fairly large, massive and prolonged maneuvers. The events involve the troops of 10-15 countries of the Alliance, they last for several weeks and take place at a number of land and sea ranges. In addition, Georgian units regularly participate in exercises in the territories of other countries.

Thus, in the last decade, active educational cooperation was established. Relatively large exercises are conducted at intervals of several months; there are also regular smaller events with the participation of foreign specialists or small divisions.

Infrastructure issues


NATO cooperation, among other things, provides for the joint use of Georgia's civil and military infrastructure. For example, back in 2005, an agreement appeared on the transit of goods from NATO countries to ISAF bases. Through Georgian ports and airfields, people and materiel were transported to Afghanistan.


Georgian servicemen from the ISAF contingent

Cargoes are delivered by sea to the ports of Batumi and Poti. In addition, these cities are regularly visited by ships from different NATO countries on duty in the Black Sea. The main site for the military transport aviation is the international airport of Tbilisi, which has all the necessary infrastructure. In the foreseeable future, it will be supplemented by the Vaziani airfield - now it is being reconstructed with NATO assistance. Railways and highways play a significant role in NATO and Georgian logistics.

Several new facilities for various purposes have been created on the territory of Georgia with the active participation of NATO. These are mainly training centers designed for use by the Georgian army and the armed forces of other countries. The first such facility was the Mountain Training Center (Sachkhere), built at the end of the 2011s. Since XNUMX, it has the status of a PfP training center.

In 2011, the Public Health Research Center named after M. R. Lugar, conducting research in the field of biology. Subsequently, branches of this organization were opened throughout the country. Both local and foreign specialists work in the Center and its branches.


Georgian and American fighters in Afghanistan

In 1997, on the basis of its own shooting range, the Krtsanisi training center was formed. Since the beginning of the 2015s, various joint programs with NATO have been implemented on its basis. In XNUMX, the facility received the status of a joint training center. Now it has modern training equipment for training to work with weapons and equipment of NATO standards. Foreign instructors work at the center.

In the city of Vaziani, there is a Combat Training Center, built at the expense of NATO. Since 2018, he has been providing NATO-standard training for several infantry battalions. In the near future, the status of the Center may change - it is proposed to include it in one of the major international programs of the Alliance.

Benefits outside the block


Despite all efforts and various measures, Georgia has not yet been able to join NATO. When this will happen is unknown. Moreover, the very possibility of joining the Alliance raises questions. However, all these circumstances do not prevent cooperation and obtaining a number of important benefits.


Georgian special operations forces during Combined Resolve II exercise

Well-established cooperation with NATO allows Georgia to gain access to modern foreign methods, strategies and equipment. The independent development of the army without the help of third countries is not possible, and the assistance of a large international organization provides the necessary opportunities. Some of the results of this are already visible and well known.

Bilateral cooperation is also of interest to NATO. The main reason is the ability to gain access to infrastructure and facilities in the Transcaucasus. A certain contingent has already been deployed in Georgia, and if necessary, a larger and more efficient group of troops can be created, incl. international. The transport infrastructure is also actively used, due to which the supply of the Afghan group is carried out.

Thus, there is a curious situation in the relations between Georgia and NATO. Mutually beneficial cooperation is underway, and the Alliance receives the desired opportunities. At the same time, he is not in a hurry to accept Georgia as a member. For Tbilisi, in turn, not only the real results of cooperation are important, but also the very fact of membership in the organization - which it cannot get in any way. It can be assumed that this state of affairs will continue in the future. The interaction will continue and will bear fruit, but Georgia will remain outside the bloc for now.
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35 comments
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  1. +1
    19 August 2020 18: 18
    Even if not full-blooded members of the alliance, then a springboard under our underbelly for sure. This is sad.
    1. +2
      19 August 2020 20: 21
      "Springboard under the belly" ?! laughing Eco poked you. Let the back of the head take care of the batono from such a springboard! "Underbelly", "undermouth", etc., etc. Enough of scattering magazine stamps on the right and left. Georgia will enter NATO when cancer whistles in Shkharai.
    2. 0
      19 August 2020 22: 05
      Quote: Leader of the Redskins
      Even if not full-blooded members of the alliance, then a springboard under our underbelly for sure. This is sad.

      You are a passionate supporter of the Maidan and a free, democratic Ukraine, which has been utilizing "free Ukrainians" so quickly since 2014. This is a springboard, so a springboard .. Compared to it, Georgia is just a trifle. So it’s not clear what makes you so sad ... You would have somehow decided.
      1. dSK
        +2
        20 August 2020 13: 01
        Why admit to NATO, its strategy has already changed - place your bases, put the country under control, incite on a neighbor and at the same time "stay out of business."
  2. +5
    19 August 2020 18: 18
    He will never enter, hicks with territorial problems will be used as they can, but they will never be made full participants, this is clear to everyone and Georgians too.
  3. +6
    19 August 2020 18: 31
    an interesting situation is taking place in the relations between Georgia and NATO ... The alliance is getting the desired opportunities. At the same time, he is not in a hurry to accept Georgia as a member.

    NATO promised someday, but they are using it now
  4. +2
    19 August 2020 18: 43
    Can you please tell me, what are these yellow fintiflyushki on the trunks?
    1. 0
      19 August 2020 19: 05
      Quote: ASAD
      Can you please tell me, what are these yellow fintiflyushki on the trunks?

      The electrical tape is yellow ... The barrel was tied so that it would not be stolen! bully laughing
    2. 0
      19 August 2020 19: 41
      Perhaps this is the idle workout attachment, not very visible.
      For safety.
      Disperses the jet and prevents the combatants from shooting by mistake
      What is it
      https://punisher.com.ua/nasadka-na-stvol-dlya-ucheniy-blank-firing-adaptor/
    3. +4
      19 August 2020 20: 15
      A tactical kit for simulating real combat. When firing blanks, the laser indicates the place of impact and the general picture of the preparation of the unit. Requires takde special body kit on clothes. A highly advanced and useful preparation complex.
      1. +1
        20 August 2020 06: 50

        This is a laser simulator Zelik.
        Not very similar.
  5. +3
    19 August 2020 18: 54
    Where will Georgia enter, 4 letters and this is not NATO?
  6. +1
    19 August 2020 19: 14
    Not before the cancer whistles on the mountain. lol
  7. 0
    19 August 2020 19: 38
    Why NATO "Georgian thieves in the Law"?
    Stoltenberg will immediately be called to the gangway.
    Will be deprived of the status of "thief in law".
    They will deprive the common fund and appoint their supervisors. All 28 mongrels will unfasten the Georgians in the common fund at AUE.
    This NATO is necessary ???
    1. +4
      19 August 2020 22: 19
      For words, I am a thief, in Georgia they give 10 years in prison.
  8. +5
    19 August 2020 19: 52
    It is enough to poke American bases under a bilateral agreement - not formally in NATO, but in fact, has long been there.
    1. 0
      19 August 2020 20: 26
      And ours in Abkhazia stumble. And Shaw? Although it would be better in Cuba and Maduro. hi
  9. +1
    19 August 2020 20: 22
    Let them renounce their territorial claims to the republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
    And then let them enter any shit that they come across.
    Hygiene is a personal matter.
  10. +1
    19 August 2020 20: 50
    But I'm interested in hearing the opinions of the Georgians themselves - well, you're in NATO, and what's next?
    1. +2
      19 August 2020 22: 00
      Quote: RIR
      But I'm interested in hearing the opinions of the Georgians themselves - well, you're in NATO, and what's next?

      Well, Georgians are rare. But I have been to Georgia many times, so I can answer you. Pro-Western propaganda (others are de facto prohibited there, although you can watch our channels through a plate) inspires them that when they are taken to NATO, it will help them to recapture Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and then Russia will not be able to do anything. Especially creative citizens claim even Sochi.
      Nui anyway is "protection for Georgia" from aggressive Russia.
      Ordinary citizens are mostly preoccupied with survival and opposing NATO, but no one asks them.
  11. +3
    19 August 2020 22: 20
    Well then, 2 submachine gunners and a machine gunner can stop NATO.
  12. +2
    20 August 2020 00: 53
    Quote: Free Wind
    For words, I am a thief, in Georgia they give 10 years in prison.

    The President of the Russian Federation signed a law that introduces criminal punishment for "thieves in law" who are organizers or leaders of a criminal group (OCG). The document was published on the official portal of legal information.
    Amendments will be made to the Criminal and Criminal Procedure Codes of the Russian Federation. Thus, a new article will appear in the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - "Occupation of the highest position in the criminal hierarchy." It provides for punishment for the very fact of leadership in an organized criminal group in the form of imprisonment for a term of 8 to 15 years with a maximum fine of up to 5 million rubles.
    Previously, thieves-in-law often avoided punishment, since Article 210 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, which provides for liability for the creation of a criminal community, does not define who should be considered a person occupying the “highest position” in the criminal hierarchy.
    A separate punishment is provided for the creation or management of a criminal community: imprisonment for a term of 12 to 20 years with a fine of up to 5 million rubles.
  13. +1
    20 August 2020 12: 47
    But why would NATO accept Georgia as a member? All that NATO can get from Georgia (infrastructure, cannon fodder prepared according to their standards) they already have, while they have no obligations to defend Georgia. Well, not for the sake of 2% of Georgian GDP to accept their bloc?
  14. 0
    20 August 2020 12: 50
    Probably NATO is skeptical about the understanding of loyalty in certain regions of the world, and therefore, excluding Turkey, we do not see a single Middle Eastern country in NATO, perhaps with Georgia the situation is in a similar vein. From a strategic point of view, Georgia would be deepening towards a potential enemy and, undoubtedly, in the event of hostilities it would be quickly lost one of the first.
  15. 0
    20 August 2020 13: 15
    A failed foreign policy is taking its toll. Our government does not want to work with the peoples of even the countries of the former Soviet republics. They don't know how, laziness, or just swagger. And the bourgeoisie did not fall for it. Result: There are practically no pro-Russian forces anywhere. So it’s not by washing, but by rolling, but the Georgians will be NATO members. Sooner or later. And not only they ...
    1. -1
      5 November 2020 21: 25
      Do we need Georgians?
      Why do we need them?
      Once they were rescued from the Turks, in gratitude Shevardnadze handed over to the Amers a piece of the sea shelf in the Far East, what for is this fifth column?
  16. -1
    20 August 2020 13: 54
    - Most likely Georgia can be accepted into NATO only after Ukraine is accepted there (which is very problematic) and ... and ... - God forbid ... - Belarus ...
    - Only then can they take Georgia there ... - according to the "residual principle" ...
  17. 0
    21 August 2020 10: 30
    Quote: Odyssey
    Quote: Leader of the Redskins
    Even if not full-blooded members of the alliance, then a springboard under our underbelly for sure. This is sad.

    You are a passionate supporter of the Maidan and a free, democratic Ukraine, which has been utilizing "free Ukrainians" so quickly since 2014. This is a springboard, so a springboard .. Compared to it, Georgia is just a trifle. So it’s not clear what makes you so sad ... You would have somehow decided.

    But I am worried that all these former members of the USSR may engage in terrorist activities under the auspices of NATO against Russia and its citizens. Why? Yes, for one simple reason, in these countries they do not want to do anything, develop and work, but only want to fight and provide territory to the American and NATO military for bases, biological laboratories, etc.
    1. -1
      5 November 2020 21: 22
      ... biolaboratories

      Where will the local population be as test subjects
  18. 0
    21 August 2020 11: 31
    When the cancer hangs on the mountain ...
  19. 0
    21 August 2020 13: 49
    Yes, NATO already "helped" them in 2008. Sold them a joint exercise called "Instant Response." What happened next - everyone knows. There was really an "instant response", but not from the direction Mishiko was expecting. NATO has its own tasks and they "interact" according to a well-known principle (as in the phrase about the sheriff who does not care about other people's problems). They sell them exercises, military second hand and the services of various advisors. Georgian taxpayers pay for renting their land for bases.
  20. 0
    21 August 2020 23: 21
    Georgia is important for the Yankees only as a political ant-Russian project, no NATO will put its bases in this bag. It is unprofitable, and in the event of a confrontation it is deadly, it will hardly be possible to crawl out of the bag. The entire territory of Georgia is overlapped by close Russian aircraft, air defense systems, systems " Smerch "," TochkaU "," Iskander ", plus the logistics of troops and goods from the Russian Federation to Georgia without any problems. The coast of Georgia is negligible for the logistics of NATO troops by sea, the entire water area of ​​Georgia is easily covered by the BRK BAL and Bastion from Abkhazia, air is also not very promising. It is unlikely that NATO will want to climb into such an instant fire bag. Moreover, there, to counter the Russian Federation, large formations will be required, and where to base them on this patch? So, supervise the training of the Georgian Armed Forces, please. In case of anything, leave Georgia. dealing with the Russian Federation one-on-one is not a problem, there is practice. If a country is a NATO member, then military bases need to be located there, and those who want to serve in a bag under the direct fire of the RF Armed Forces are unlikelyIt just so happened that Georgia was unlucky with geography; NATO members are simply embarrassed to talk about it.
  21. 0
    21 August 2020 23: 28
    There an anaconda looms with the opposite effect. Turkey is unlikely to get involved in a fight, and the logistics of NATO troops through its land territory will not approve. Yankees are more hostile to Turks than Russians.
  22. 0
    26 August 2020 03: 09
    When when? Never!
  23. -1
    5 November 2020 21: 19
    Finances are singing romances only with Georgians now, and without finances, why would they Nate, they won't buy Abrams, they won't sell a penguin, if only an army secondhand is sent there as disposal ... Although meat is always needed ...

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