AGP Executive Report

EU-Tensions: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says the European Parliament has “completely discredited itself,” while parliamentary foreign affairs chair Nikoloz Samkharadze warns Brussels is creating “artificial obstacles” to Georgia’s EU path. Media & Sanctions: Procter & Gamble has paused ads with UK-sanctioned Imedi TV, following similar moves by other global brands; the channel remains a focal point in Georgia’s information-war politics. Court & Rights: The ECHR ruled Russia violated rights in a 2008 war case involving Georgian servicemen, ordering compensation for deaths and torture. Opposition Under Pressure: A Georgian citizen faces fines or detention over a social media post about Bidzina Ivanishvili; meanwhile, lawyers file suits over alleged public statements against opposition figures. Regional Connectivity: AzerTelecom and Telecom Armenia signed a deal to route Armenia’s international internet traffic via Azerbaijan, reducing reliance on older corridors through Georgia/Iran/Russia. Culture: Tbilisi Ballet Festival returns July 5–19 with major international guest companies. Crime & Security: Polish prosecutors charged a suspect in the killing of satirical artist Semyon Skrepetsky, with reports noting a Georgian passport.

Protest Politics in Tbilisi: Supporters of European integration kept up a 572nd night of demonstrations outside parliament, again demanding the release of “political prisoners of conscience” and calling for a change in Georgia’s political course. Opposition Clash Over Saakashvili: Lelo–Strong Georgia hit back at former President Mikheil Saakashvili’s claims that the opposition is a “business project,” saying his remarks are meant to provoke tension and confrontation. Courts and the “October 4” Case: Tbilisi City Court sentenced six defendants tied to the October 4, 2025 attempt to seize the presidential palace to five-year prison terms, while prosecutors and defendants sparred over plea-bargain eligibility. Council of Europe Pressure: PACE is set to debate a report on Georgia’s democratic backsliding and the functioning of its institutions, with draft language warning that urgent recommendations have not been implemented. EU Opinion Snapshot: A new survey says 71% of Georgians support EU accession, while 49% believe the country is not moving in the right direction toward the EU. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze began his first official visit to Tajikistan, with both sides pledging deeper bilateral cooperation and support for Georgia’s sovereignty. South Ossetia Tightening: Russia appointed Kremlin official Marat Kambolov as South Ossetia’s prime minister, further consolidating Moscow’s control over the breakaway region. Tbilisi City Hall Moves: The mayor’s office says taxi permits will be canceled for non-payment, and it plans a municipal multi-functional sports center on the Tskneti highway. Public Life & Data: GeoStat published findings from the 2024 population and agricultural census, showing major growth in Batumi and a sharp decline in Khulo.

Court Crackdown: Tbilisi City Court sentenced eight more people to five years each in the Oct. 4, 2025 rally case, bringing the total sentenced to 25, with dozens more still awaiting verdicts or already taking plea deals. Protest Politics: Demonstrators marked “Gavrilov Night” for the 571st day outside parliament, again demanding political prisoners’ release and a return to European integration. EU Mood Check: A new EU-commissioned survey finds 71% support for EU membership in Georgia, but positive views of the EU fell to 40%—the lowest in a decade—while unemployment, poverty, and low pay top public concerns. Central Asia Pivot: PM Irakli Kobakhidze and ministers began Georgia’s first official high-level visit to Tajikistan, signing agreements after meetings in Dushanbe. Trade & Sanctions Pressure: Georgia imported a record 218.2 tons of flowers from Armenia in May (up 2.9x), as Russian restrictions and inspection risks keep reshaping regional agricultural flows. Business & Security: Nestlé launched an internal probe after advertising on sanctioned Imedi TV, tied to Kremlin-aligned messaging.

Pro-EU Protest Streak: Supporters of European integration marched outside Georgia’s Parliament for the 571st straight day, again calling for political prisoners’ release and a return to the EU path, with the atmosphere described as calm and even including children. Cybercrime Crackdown: Authorities across 11 countries dismantled AudiA6, a ransomware crypto-laundering service tied to $380M in proceeds from 2022-2025, using thousands of stolen or purchased identities and KYC records. Georgia-Russia Trade Pressure: Russia reportedly boosted apple imports from Georgia fivefold, while Georgia also increased flower imports from Armenia amid Russian restrictions—Armenian flowers hit a record 218.2 tonnes in May, with no re-exports. EU Scrutiny of Georgia: EU Parliament reporting again targets Georgia over democratic backsliding and calls for sanctions on Georgian authorities. Security & Justice: Poland charged a Georgian citizen over the murder of Russian satirist Semyon Skrepetsky, with the suspect ordered held for three months. Health in Rukhi: Georgian officials held a large free medical campaign at Rukhi Republic Hospital, framing it as part of reconciliation and access to care beyond the occupation line.

Abkhazia Tensions: Georgia’s state-backed narrative war heats up as the so-called occupied Abkhazia “foreign ministry” claims Tbilisi is “forcibly mobilizing” youth via a school project on “When I return to Abkhazia,” accusing Georgia of propaganda over “peace” and “dialogue.” EU Pressure on Georgia: Former President Salome Zourabichvili urges EU foreign ministers not to extend a visa-free suspension to all Georgians, warning it would help the ruling party and punish citizens, while she calls for political prisoner releases and targeted sanctions. Regional Diplomacy & Transit: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says deepening Central Asia ties is now a top foreign economic priority, pitching Georgia as a transit corridor and pointing to upcoming visits to Kazakhstan plus return visits by Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in July. Court & Security: In Poland, prosecutors charge a Georgian citizen with murdering Russian satirist Semyon Skrepetsky, seeking three months’ pre-trial detention; reports say the suspect used a Georgian passport that may be forged. Public Life in Abkhazia: In Sukhum, minibus fares reportedly rise to 50 rubles amid complaints about poor service and rising costs. Health & Reconciliation: Georgia’s health ministry runs a large free medical campaign at Rukhi Republic Hospital, highlighting services “beyond the occupation line” as part of reconciliation policy. International Energy Watch: Estonia’s FM warns Europe not to fall into Putin’s “neutral mediator” trap, arguing Moscow exploits fear and false hopes for diplomacy.

Georgia–Tajikistan Diplomacy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia is pushing deeper Central Asia ties to boost its transit role, after a Tajikistan visit that included new cooperation agreements with Tbilisi. EU–Georgia Pressure: Former President Salome Zourabichvili urges EU foreign ministers not to extend a visa-free suspension to all Georgians, warning it would strengthen the ruling party and harm European integration hopes. Tbilisi Protests & Prisoners: Thousands marched on Rustaveli Avenue marking the anniversary of “Gavrilov’s Night,” demanding the release of political prisoners and condemning harsh sentences tied to the October 4 storming case. Russian Language Day Fallout: Moscow’s Maria Zakharova again attacked Tbilisi protesters over Russian Language Day, urging Georgian law enforcement to punish “extremists.” Abkhazia Media Status: Russia removed Abkhaz journalist Inal Khashig from its “foreign agent” register, signaling a possible shift in Moscow’s approach toward Abkhaz civil voices. Public Health in Georgia: A large free medical campaign in Rukhi offered cancer screenings and consultations, with ministers attending.

EU Visa-Free Fight: Salome Zourabichvili warns EU foreign ministers not to extend a visa-free suspension to all Georgians, saying it would help the ruling party and punish citizens for “anti-European” policies. Protests & Sentencing: Doctors and supporters rallied outside Georgian parliament after the October 4 verdict, with pediatrician Giorgi Chakhunashvili and five others sentenced to five years, as Rustaveli Avenue protests continue. Russian Language Day Fallout: Maria Zakharova called the Tbilisi protest against Russian Language Day “extremists,” urging Georgian law enforcement to punish them—while contrasting it with a Batumi event that drew no incidents. Foreign Policy & Economy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia is prioritizing deeper Central Asia ties to boost its role as a Black Sea transit corridor, after visits to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. Local Governance: In Sukhum, minibus fares reportedly rose to 50 rubles, sparking anger over poor transport conditions and rising costs amid unchanged wages. Public Opinion: An EU NEIGHBOURS East survey finds 71% of Georgians support EU accession, with EU trust at 67% but a drop in favorable views. Health Services: Georgia’s Health Ministry held a large free screening campaign in Rukhi, offering tests for multiple cancers, hepatitis, and hypertension.

Courtroom Fallout in Tbilisi: Protesters and doctors rallied outside parliament after a verdict in the October 4 case, where pediatrician Giorgi Chakhunashvili and five others received five-year prison terms, with Chakhunashvili arrested in court. EU Pressure on Georgia: The European Parliament adopted a harsh Georgia report, citing democratic backsliding, repression, and alleged election rigging, while Georgian Dream leaders dismissed the resolution as baseless and said Georgia is ready for dialogue. EU Public Mood Check: A new EU NEIGHBOURS East survey finds 71% of Georgians support EU accession and 67% trust the EU, though favorable views have dipped. Regional Diplomacy: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze leads Georgia’s first official visit to Tajikistan, signaling a push for new cooperation beyond the current Western-EU strain. Information War Claims: Russia’s Maria Zakharova urged Georgian law enforcement to assess an attempt to disrupt “Russian Language Day” in Tbilisi, framing it as extremist activity. Cross-border Trade Dispute: Georgia denied claims that Armenian strawberries are being re-exported to Russia via Georgia under Turkish labels. Occupied Regions: In Abkhazia, a Georgian citizen was sentenced for “espionage,” while Tskhinvali’s de facto authorities saw leadership appointments and ongoing election-law maneuvering.

EU-Georgia Clash: Georgia’s FM Maka Bochorishvili hit back at a new European Parliament resolution, calling it politically motivated and packed with “false” claims meant to pressure Tbilisi and deepen divisions. Courtroom & Protest Pressure: In Tbilisi, protesters again demanded the release of jailed opposition figure Elene Khoshtaria as her health reportedly deteriorates in custody, keeping the long-running Rustaveli Avenue standoff in focus. Local Governance: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says the city’s student tuition funding program will be amended for the autumn semester, raising the master’s stipend to 1,000 GEL per semester. International Security Spillover: Poland arrested a suspect in the killing of Russian artist and Putin critic Semyon Skrepetsky, with officials saying the case may connect to Russian sabotage efforts targeting NATO/EU states. Regional Finance: The EBRD says it wants to invest in Armenia’s hospitality sector, but lacks well-prepared projects—an indirect reminder of how project quality can shape South Caucasus funding flows.

Tbilisi Politics & Governance: Georgia’s Interior Ministry’s new “hate speech” unit is already fining people over online comments, with opposition figures saying cases are being pushed even when no complaints were filed, raising fresh questions about selective enforcement. Elections & Voting Rules: Lawmakers in the U.S. state of Georgia advanced a plan to delay a QR-code voting ban while also moving property tax cuts for homeowners—an example of how election tech rules can quickly become political flashpoints. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Serbia’s deputy chief of defence, Lt Gen Tiosav Jankovic, attended a South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial meeting in Tbilisi, where countries agreed on continued regional dialogue. International Pressure on Georgia: The UK and Georgia traded blows over sanctions compliance after London highlighted a Russian “shadow fleet” vessel’s access to a Georgian port, prompting Tbilisi to summon the UK ambassador and reject what it called misleading speculation. Public Life: Tbilisi Outlet Village announced the debut of the Tbilisi Shopping Festival on June 27, with music, talks, and family activities.

Tbilisi City Hall: Mayor Kakha Kaladze says “Category A” taxi permits will be canceled if holders don’t pay the permit issuance fee, with penalties piling up for unpaid debts. Urban Development: The city will hold a design competition for a municipal multi-functional sports center on the Tskneti Highway, with the deadline set for July 17. Protests & Prisoners: On Rustaveli Avenue, demonstrators marked another day of protests, demanding medical care and release for jailed Droa Party leader Elene Khoshtaria, whose lawyer says her health has deteriorated. EU & Georgia Politics: The European Parliament adopted a report warning that continued inaction by Georgian authorities could lead to suspension of visa-free travel for the entire population, and it renewed pressure over sanctions compliance. Occupied Tskhinvali: Russia-backed officials in the de facto “South Ossetia” parliament approved Marat Kambolov as so-called prime minister, as Moscow’s role in the region continues to deepen. Regional Security: Poland detained a suspect in the killing of Russian Kremlin critic artist Robert Kuzovkov, with authorities saying the suspect used a Georgian passport and that investigators are trying to identify who ordered the murder.

Protest Pressure in Tbilisi: On the 567th day of demonstrations, activists rallied over the worsening health of Droa leader Elene Khoshtaria, demanding she be moved to a clinic and released after her lawyer said her condition deteriorated while she has been jailed for months. EU vs. Georgian Dream: The European Parliament adopted a Georgia report by 436 votes to 145, citing democratic backsliding, repression, and new laws targeting civil society and independent media, while also warning that visa-free travel could be suspended for the whole population if reforms don’t happen. Sanctions Scrutiny: Georgia’s Foreign Ministry summoned the British ambassador over UK sanctions claims tied to a shipping case, arguing there was no sanctions violation and that Georgia cooperated with international partners. Occupied South Ossetia Move: A new Russia-South Ossetia “allied cooperation” treaty would allow Russians to hold posts in South Ossetia’s administration, signaling deeper political integration. Georgia Politics at Home: Georgia Republicans declined to redraw election maps during a special session, pointing to ongoing litigation as the July 1 voting deadline looms.

EU-Georgia Tensions: The European Parliament is set to vote on a critical Georgia report, warning of democratic backsliding and repression, and saying Georgian Dream has changed the course of EU integration. Occupied Territories: Opposition For Georgia says Russia is moving to deepen annexation in the occupied Tskhinvali region after appointing Marat Kambolov as the so-called prime minister. Protests & Prisoners: Supporters rallied outside the Georgian Parliament again, demanding the release of political prisoners including Azerbaijani journalist Afgan Sadigov and Netgazeti/Batumelebi founder Mzia Amaglobeli. Regional Security: Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan kicked off the trilateral special tactical exercise Caucasus Eagle 2026 to boost special-operations coordination. Diplomacy & Influence: Russian cultural envoy Mikhail Shvydkoy visited Tbilisi, arguing culture can rebuild trust as Georgia faces growing geopolitical pressure. International Spotlight: Georgia’s fifth president Salome Zurabishvili told RFE/RL Washington risks “giving away” Georgia to Moscow if Middle East de-escalation sidelines Tbilisi. Elections Watch: Azerbaijan’s CEC delegation arrived in Georgia for an election-management conference in Batumi. Energy Context: Separate reporting on U.S. fuel prices dominated other coverage, but it underscores how global shocks keep spilling into local costs.

EU Accession Pressure: Salome Zurabishvili says Georgia is “far from a democracy” after Ukraine and Moldova took first steps toward European integration, blaming Russian pressure and the ruling regime’s grip. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Nikoloz Samkharadze says Georgia asked Luxembourg to raise with the European Commission the resumption of dialogue, discussing security and Euro-Atlantic integration. Occupied Territory Update: The opposition says Russia’s appointment of Marat Kambolov as “prime minister” in occupied Tskhinvali is a new annexation step, urging international engagement. Courtroom Crackdown: Tbilisi City Court fined Nika Gvaramia’s accuser 2,000 GEL for insulting him on Facebook, while lawyers in the “Georgian Railway” case say charges against detainees are still unclear. Regional Security/Defense: Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Georgia opened the “Caucasus Eagle 2026” joint special forces exercise near Tbilisi, focused on security cooperation and readiness. Transport & Trade: Passengers report Baku–Tbilisi train tickets are effectively unaffordable/unavailable, while Georgia–Serbia talks in Tbilisi include plans for a free trade agreement and embassy openings.

EU Accession Pressure: Lelo’s Salome Samadashvili says Georgia’s formal EU membership application could be withdrawn soon, arguing it would serve Russia’s next objective, while opposition figures warn “Georgian Dream” is echoing Kremlin talking points as Ukraine and Moldova move ahead with accession talks. Media & Speech Crackdown: Tbilisi City Court fined lawyer Shota Tutberidze 4,000 GEL for a social media comment, and separately fined Giorgi Gedenidze 2,000 GEL for insulting Nika Gvaramia—both tied to the Interior Ministry’s newly created hate-speech monitoring unit. Political Dystopia Debate: Giorgi Sioridze argues the hate-speech department is meant to shrink space for free thought and will burden courts with “meaningless cases.” Serbia-Georgia Ties: Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze and Patriarch Shio III, stressing Orthodox and “brotherly” links and pledging stronger bilateral cooperation. Sanctions & Shadow Fleet: UK forces detained the Russian-linked tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel; its captain Ajay Pant was charged with sanctions breaches, with Georgian crew members reportedly still onboard. Regional Connectivity: A Middle Corridor push highlights a planned 43-km Armenia link to connect Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, aiming to move cargo, energy, data, and capital.

EU-Georgia Visa Talks: Brussels and Tbilisi held an “enhanced dialogue” after visa-free suspensions for diplomatic/official passports; Georgia called it constructive, while an EU official reportedly said it was “rather unfruitful,” with Brussels citing democracy and rights commitments. Serbia-Georgia Pivot: President Aleksandar Vučić met Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Patriarch Shio III, stressing rising cooperation on trade, EU integration coordination, tourism, transport, energy, and new technologies. Sanctions Enforcement in the Region: UK authorities charged the captain of the Russian “shadow fleet” tanker Smyrtos with sanctions breaches after a Royal Marines/NCA seizure in the English Channel; the ship remains anchored off Weymouth as the case moves to court. Domestic Rule-of-Law Pressure: A court fined lawyer Shota Tutberidze 4,000 GEL over a social media comment tied to “hate speech” complaints, while opposition TV Pirveli released footage alleging police beat detainees. Regional Trade Flows: Armenia received another Russian wheat shipment via Azerbaijan, underscoring continued rail transit links across the South Caucasus.