AGP Executive Report

Uzbekistan-Georgia Pivot: Uzbekistan’s president will open an embassy in Georgia as Tbilisi and Tashkent sign a strategic partnership declaration, with plans to push trade toward $1bn, expand Black Sea port use (Poti/Batumi), and deepen ties in customs, digitalization, education, tourism, and energy. Regional Diplomacy: Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili met Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, with both sides stressing sovereignty and regional stability ahead of Khamenei’s funeral. Courtroom Update: Georgia’s Prosecutor’s Office has charged Giorgi Malania in the Giga Avaliani-linked case and will seek pre-trial detention. Justice & Defense Politics: A lawyer says there’s a high expectation of a plea deal for former Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze as his appeal proceeds at the Court of Appeal. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council heard concerns that Georgia’s civic space restrictions and protest-related abuses include arbitrary arrests and disproportionate force, urging independent investigations. Local Governance: Batumi is dismantling illegal structures to start a new kindergarten project, including relocating affected families. Energy & Transit: bp is transferring BTC pipeline operations to SOCAR, reinforcing the Middle Corridor’s role for Caspian-to-Europe routes.

Uzbekistan–Georgia Reset: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrives in Tbilisi for a state visit after 23 years, with talks expected to focus on investment, trade, and Middle Corridor connectivity, plus planned agreements and a business forum. Geneva Pressure on Occupied Regions: Georgia’s foreign ministry says it strongly protested the May 9 Russia–Tskhinvali “agreement” at the 67th Geneva International Discussions, calling it legally void and urging return of IDPs and refugees. Human Rights Under Scrutiny: The UN Human Rights Council hears the OHCHR report on Georgia, urging review of 2025 laws restricting civic space and calling for prompt, independent investigations into alleged abuses during 2024–2025 protests. Energy Corridor Update: SOCAR takes over operatorship of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline from bp, a major regional infrastructure handover spanning Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. Kulevi Refinery Switch: Black Sea Petroleum says Georgia’s Kulevi refinery will stop processing Russian crude and move to non-Russian supplies in Aug–Sep 2026, alongside Honeywell upgrades and new product plans. Local Policy Delay: Georgia extends the plastic bottle ban for catering venues to Feb 1, 2031.

EU Conditionality on Georgia: The European Parliament adopted a resolution saying Georgia’s EU path can’t continue without “tangible and verifiable” democratic reforms, citing media curbs, civic-space restrictions, and politically motivated prosecutions. It also reaffirmed it doesn’t recognize the legitimacy of Georgia’s parliament or president. UN Human Rights Pressure: In Geneva, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights presented concerns over protest-related arrests, ill-treatment, and excessive force, urging prompt, independent investigations. Rights Watchdog Push: Human Rights Watch urged Georgia to repeal repressive laws, end politically motivated prosecutions, release unjustly imprisoned people, and ensure accountability for police violence. Geneva Talks Stall: The 67th Geneva International Discussions on Georgia-Russia normalization ended without progress, with Georgia warning Russia’s “non-use of force” push and the Abkhazia/South Ossetia “alliance” deal violate international law. Migration Crackdown: Georgia deported 126 foreign nationals in a new enforcement operation, citing updated migration rules that took effect July 1. Energy Corridor Update: BTC operatorship officially transferred from bp to SOCAR, with SOCAR also taking common operatorship for BTC and SCP systems. Tbilisi Mobility Study: Tbilisi launched a tender to study a railway corridor feasibility, with an expression-of-interest deadline set for July 13.

Pro-European Protests: On Rustaveli Avenue, demonstrators marked a new day of continuous rallies, again calling for the release of political prisoners including Nana Sander and Zviad Tsetskhladze, with supporters also highlighting cases tied to Mzia Amaghlobeli and Abo Naveriani. Courts & Prisoners: Two protesters—Tornike Toshkhua and Mindia Shervashidze—won early release after an appellate court reduced their sentences, even as the guilty verdict was upheld. Education Reform: Georgia’s Education Ministry says textbooks will be fully overhauled and new mandatory school uniforms will be phased in from grade one upward, with new books planned by the start of the 2028 academic year. International Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to visit Georgia July 2–3 for high-level talks focused on political dialogue, trade, investment, and transport links. EU Disinformation Outreach: The Polish Embassy in Tbilisi held a youth meeting in Zugdidi on Russian information warfare and EU integration lessons for Georgia.

Energy & Transit: BTC operatorship is shifting from bp to SOCAR’s Midstream Operations LLC effective July 1, covering all BTC sections across Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye (with Sangachal terminal staying under bp), while BTC has already moved 4.7+ billion barrels since launch. Regional Trade: Kazakhstan says it will boost oil shipments via BTC as it deepens ties with Georgia, aiming to expand Black Sea logistics in Batumi and Poti and pushing Middle Corridor growth. Tbilisi Infrastructure: Tbilisi City Hall has launched an international tender for a feasibility study on a city railway corridor, using existing tracks to connect Tbilisi with Mtskheta, Rustavi, the airport and eastern districts, with expressions of interest due July 13. Human Rights Oversight: The UN Human Rights Council will hear an OHCHR report on Georgia on July 2, including recommendations on peaceful assembly and allegations of arbitrary detention and excessive force. Public Safety: Georgia’s Interior Ministry says three people were arrested for trafficking minors in Batumi, allegedly forcing children to beg and sell flowers. South Ossetia Politics: De facto presidential elections are set for September 18 after early resignation of Alan Gagloev.

Pro-European Protests: Demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue marked a 580th straight night, again demanding the release of political prisoners including Nana Sander and Zviad Tsetskhladze. Parliament Violence Probe: The opposition party “Gakharia For Georgia” has appealed to the Prosecutor’s Office to investigate the June 26 parliamentary brawl, alleging an organized, pre-planned attack and criticizing the lack of action despite widely shared footage. Diplomacy & Security: Georgia’s Interior Minister Sulkhan Tamazashvili met Armenia’s leadership as both sides push deeper internal-security cooperation. Regional Ties: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze signed a Kazakhstan “Strategic Partnership” framework and discussed trade, investment, and transport connectivity. International Attendance: Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili confirmed he will attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Iran. Corruption Oversight: Council of Europe’s GRECO stressed that top officials must lead by example in fighting corruption and promoting integrity. Tourism & Business: Rotana signed to manage Gudauri Ski Resort, signaling new hospitality investment in Georgia’s ski sector.

Surveillance & Protests: AlgorithmWatch says Georgia’s interior ministry uses a sanctioned Russian facial recognition system to identify and track protesters, raising fresh human-rights alarms. Parliament Under Fire: Opposition-linked Gakharia for Georgia demands a criminal probe into the June 26 parliamentary brawl, accusing authorities of selective inaction. Prisoner Health: Opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria is set to be transferred to a civilian clinic for examination after serious illness concerns. Occupied Territories at Geneva: Giorgi Gakharia urges the Georgian government to raise Russia’s accelerated annexation of the Tskhinvali region at the Geneva International Discussions. Diplomacy & Europe: PM Irakli Kobakhidze attacks outgoing German Ambassador Peter Fischer as the “only ambassador” who harmed Georgia-Germany ties as Fischer ends his mission. Regional Economy: Georgia and Kazakhstan reaffirm strategic cooperation in trade, energy, transport and digitalization, with talk of expanding oil transit via Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan. International Spotlight: Protesters again rally in Tbilisi demanding the release of Nana Sander and other political prisoners.

Protest Watch: Demonstrators outside Georgia’s Parliament kept up a 579th night of rallies, demanding the release of Nana Sander and other political prisoners, with EU/US/Ukraine flags and slogans calling for “Freedom for Nana Sander.” Courts & Rights: The ECHR has begun a substantive review of a case over the seizure of bank accounts of five Georgian civil society groups, a move labeled significant for how Strasbourg may judge restrictions on independent NGOs. Opposition Sentencing: Tbilisi City Court sentenced opposition figure Zviad Kuprava to 2 years and 6 months for alleged calls to overthrow the government. New Party: Viktor Kipiani launched a new “Georgia First” party, presenting it as “state-minded” and open to dialogue beyond traditional blocs. Regional Diplomacy: Georgia’s PM Irakli Kobakhidze met Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana, formalizing a strategic partnership and pushing cooperation on energy, the Middle Corridor, and digital development. Eurasian Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Georgia also discussed expanding Kazakhstan’s role at Georgian ports beyond Batumi, including Poti and Anaklia. Local Politics: Court fined activist Tamar Giorgadze ₾3,000 over a Facebook post cursing Bidzina Ivanishvili, as authorities expand hate-speech enforcement. South Ossetia Analysis: Analysts say Alan Gagloev’s presidency in South Ossetia saw institutional decline and population outflow, with leadership changes tied to Moscow’s agenda.

Human Rights & Courts: The ECHR has begun substantive review of a case over the seizure of bank accounts of five Georgian civil society groups, after ISFED said the lawsuit was granted “significant impact” status in Strasbourg. Protest Pressure: A Tbilisi City Court fined civil activist Tamar Giorgadze 3,000 GEL for a post about Bidzina Ivanishvili, with hate-speech authorities backing the case. Surveillance Claims: Algorithm Watch alleges Georgian authorities use Russian facial recognition tech to identify anti-government protesters, pointing to “special electronic” systems tied to camera footage. Foreign Policy & Security: Reports say Georgia is in advanced talks to send troops to a US-backed Gaza stabilization force; Tbilisi has not commented. Diplomacy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze begins an official visit to Kazakhstan, with talks expected on strategic partnership and regional cooperation. Regional Economy: Construction of a new berth at Poti’s New Sea Port is launched alongside a second US DFC loan worth $25 million, framed as support for the Middle Corridor. New Political Player: “Georgia First” becomes a political party after a June 28 founding congress in Tbilisi. Local Life: Tbilisi starts rehabilitation of Lotkin Square, with green space, a football field, and video monitoring planned.

Pro-European Protests & Prison Pressure: Tbilisi’s daily rallies outside Parliament continued for a 578th day, with demonstrators also demanding the release of Nana Sander and other political prisoners; separate actions were held at Gldani Prison and in support of Sander at Rustavi. Parliament Turmoil: Georgian MPs brawled during a chaotic parliamentary session after criticism of PM Irakli Kobakhidze, underscoring the political heat around the government’s EU-facing stance. Council of Europe Clash: Prime Minister Kobakhidze rejected a new PACE resolution on Georgia’s democratic backsliding, calling it biased and full of “lies,” as PACE warned there are no conditions for genuinely democratic elections. Occupied Regions Watch: Georgian civil society again urged international partners to treat Russia’s “gradual annexation” of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali as a sovereignty and security threat. Adjara Health Policy: Adjara launched a “High-risk Women’s Milk Bank Program,” with Batumi’s maternity hospital set to operate Georgia’s first women’s milk bank. Regional Security Cooperation: “Caucasus Eagle 2026” special forces drills concluded in/near Tbilisi with Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye highlighting interoperability and readiness.

PACE vs. Georgian Dream: The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly adopted a resolution on June 24 warning Georgia lacks conditions for genuinely democratic elections, citing pressure on civil society, opposition, independent media, and dissenting voices—while Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze immediately rejected it as full of “lies” and blamed “so-called NGOs” for acting as foreign agents. Parliament in turmoil: Georgian MPs brawled during a chaotic session after Kobakhidze’s address, forcing a suspension and underscoring how tense the political climate remains. Protests and prisoners: On the 577th day of daily demonstrations, protesters marched demanding the release of political prisoners, including Droa leader Elene Khoshtaria, and renewed calls for her transfer to a civilian clinic. Security and military ties: The trilateral “Caucasus Eagle-2026” special forces exercise concluded near Tbilisi, with Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye highlighting interoperability and regional defense cooperation. Middle Corridor push: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev said Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia are working on a unified long-term tariff model for the Trans-Caspian route, while Georgia’s Poti port expansion advanced with a new berth project backed by a U.S. loan. Occupied regions spotlight: Analysts in Tbilisi read Russia’s appointment of Marat Kambolov in Tskhinvali as a shift tied to annexation strategy, while Georgian civil society urged international partners to address annexation and security risks in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali.

Protest Pressure on Prisoners: Families of people arrested during the 2024 protests urged Georgians to join a new Tbilisi march demanding the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria, as demonstrators mark 577 days of daily rallies and call for an end to torture. Parliament Brawl: Georgia’s parliament erupted into a fistfight after PM Irakli Kobakhidze’s annual report, with ruling and opposition MPs clashing during the Q&A session before security intervened and medics were called. Regional Security Drills: The trilateral special forces exercise “Caucasus Eagle 2026” concluded near Tbilisi, with Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey highlighting raids, building-clearing, and interoperability as part of tighter defense cooperation. Occupied Regions Under Scrutiny: Georgian civil society sent international partners a detailed message warning of Russia’s de facto annexation steps in Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, citing new “allied cooperation” arrangements. Middle Corridor Boost: The U.S. backed expansion work at Poti’s “New Sea Port,” inaugurating a second berth project tied to Middle Corridor trade capacity. Human Rights Spotlight: Reports also renewed attention on torture claims involving Georgian POWs, with international legal scrutiny continuing to shape Georgia’s rights debate.

Parliament Brawl: Georgia’s spring session ended in chaos as MPs clashed physically during Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s annual report Q&A, with security removing opposition lawmakers and medics called after the fight. Protest & Prisoners of Conscience: Family members of people arrested during the 2024 protests urged Georgians to join a 7:00 PM march from the Philharmonic to Parliament, framing it as solidarity and a push against torture and injustice. Occupied Regions & International Pressure: Georgian civil society sent a message to the UN, EU, EUMM, OSCE and NATO warning that Russia’s “de facto annexation” of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali is accelerating, citing new “allied cooperation” steps as a threat to sovereignty. Black Sea & U.S. Finance: In Poti, a new berth is being built under a U.S. DFC-backed loan tied to the Middle Corridor push, with officials calling it a capacity boost for bulk cargo. Maritime Day in Batumi: President Kavelashvili and PM Kobakhidze honored Georgian sailors at Batumi’s International Day of Sailors events, including awards and a memorial at sea. EU-Backed Markets: The EU and UNDP highlighted SME export support ahead of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day, citing new jobs and first-time EU market entries. Economy Watch: The IMF said Georgia’s FX reserves above $7 billion are adequate for moderate external shocks, strengthening lari stability and reducing sovereign risk.

Protest & Torture Accountability: On Rustaveli Avenue, protesters marked the 576th day of continuous demonstrations, repeating calls for solidarity with torture victims and backing political prisoners held at Gldani Prison, with signs including “No to torture” and “June 26 is International Day of Solidarity for Victims of Torture.” Court & Political Prisoners: Supporters also rallied for Giorgi Chakhunashvili and Nana Sander, convicted in the October 4 presidential residence case, as the wider campaign for “prisoners of conscience” continues. Human Rights Legal Push: GYLA filed an application to the European Court of Human Rights over Mzia Amaghlobeli’s criminal case, alleging violations of defense and fair-trial rights and calling her a political prisoner. Government & Social Policy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze said social assistance was cut for 22,707 families after database review, saving GEL 54.7 million, with more reassessments expected. Energy & Regional Ties: Kobakhidze told Parliament Georgia secured guarantees for over 2 billion cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas at favorable prices, while also reporting gasification expansion to about 10,000 households. Economy & Finance: The IMF said Georgia’s FX reserves above $7 billion strengthen stability, and the NBG highlighted reforms for digital banks, VASPs, and a stablecoin regulatory model.

ECHR Aftermath: Social media in Georgia is reacting to the European Court of Human Rights ruling that Russia is responsible for the torture and killing of Georgian prisoners of war in 2008—many say the decision is “belated” after 18 years of non-implementation. Media Oversight: Georgia’s communications regulator fined TV Pirveli GEL 2,500 for using terms like “prisoners of conscience,” adding to a growing dispute over broadcaster language rules and ComCom’s expanded powers. EU vs. Tbilisi Politics: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili attacked recent European Parliament and Council of Europe resolutions on Georgia’s democratic backsliding, calling them a violation of sovereignty and drawing a Russia-like parallel. Justice & Rights: GYLA filed a new application to the ECHR in the criminal case against journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli, arguing violations of defense, fair trial, and presumption of innocence. Regional Diplomacy: EU South Caucasus envoy Magdalena Grono met Azerbaijani officials in Baku, focusing on EU–Azerbaijan ties and keeping momentum in Azerbaijan–Armenia peace talks. Infrastructure Push: Parliament backed spatial planning amendments affecting cultural heritage protections in Tbilisi, while the ADB launched a tender for a feasibility study on a rail link connecting Tbilisi, Rustavi, Mtskheta and the future Airport City.

Protest Politics: Supporters in Tbilisi kept up the pressure outside Parliament for a 575th straight evening, backing convicted figures Giorgi Chakhunashvili and Nana Sander tied to the October 4 attempted storming of the presidential residence, as organizers cite serious prison conditions and demand accountability. Digital Governance at UN Forum: Georgia hosted the UN Public Service Forum 2026, with officials using the platform to push “digital-first” public services and citizen access, including Bangladesh’s minister highlighting DPI plans and service tools discussed in Tbilisi. EU-Georgia Friction: Georgia’s government renewed its hard line on EU visa policy, accusing Brussels of “fascism,” while European institutions and PACE continue to scrutinize Georgia’s democratic trajectory. Transport & Trade: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze marked the start of a new berth at the Port of Poti, pointing to rising cargo demand and Middle Corridor momentum, alongside a fresh $25m DFC loan for the project. Finance & Oversight: Georgia’s National Bank reported AML/CFT sanctions against microfinance and pawnshop operators, including a fine for Rico, as regulators tighten compliance.