AGP Executive Report

Black Sea Power Link: Romania’s Transelectrica says the Romania–Georgia Black Sea submarine cable is moving into technical preparation after a memorandum with Georgia’s GSE, aiming to open a new electricity route toward the EU. Aviation & Connectivity: Georgia launched direct Tbilisi–Shanghai flights with China Eastern Airlines, reporting a 98% load factor and three weekly services, while Tbilisi’s airport expansion also continues with a $150m investment. Regional Diplomacy: Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Georgia for high-level talks with President Kavelashvili and Prime Minister Kobakhidze, focusing on energy, transport, logistics, and the Middle Corridor. 3+3 Talks: Russia’s Zakharova says Moscow is waiting for Armenia and Azerbaijan to agree on the order of future 3+3 foreign-minister meetings, stressing the format should stay non-politicized. Tbilisi Urban Update: Tbilisi City Hall approved demolition of the long-unused “Rike Tubes,” a costly post-Soviet landmark, with the site potentially headed for new development. Food & Farming: Under an FAO traceability push, Georgia’s meat producers are forming an association to improve food safety and sector coordination. Sports: Sweden won the CEV Women’s European League final, while Georgia’s presence in the run included a straight-set shutout by Slovenia.

Court Verdict: Tbilisi City Court convicted eight people, including five minors, for hate-motivated torture, organized group violence and robbery, describing the group’s “fascist-Nazi” ideology and noting assaults were filmed and shared online. Anti-Corruption Clash: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili rejected Transparency International Georgia’s claim that officials received 24 million GEL in gifts, calling the report “manipulation” and a “hybrid war” campaign. Protests in Focus: Pro-European supporters kept their daily rally going for the 595th straight day outside parliament, again demanding a return to EU integration and the release of political prisoners. Foreign Policy Debate: A new analysis challenges Georgia’s “multi-vector” branding, arguing the country is instead doing “forced balancing” as ties shift unevenly. Regional Trade & Security: EU-backed Black Sea electricity cable plans move forward, but critics warn Brussels and NATO lack a security system to protect it from sabotage. Economy & Food: Georgia’s bay leaf exports rose 27% in the first half of 2026, with China the main market.

Protests in Tbilisi: Pro-European demonstrators returned to Rustaveli Avenue for the 594th straight day, calling for free elections, the release of political prisoners, and an end to “repressive laws.” Municipal Infrastructure: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says a Turkish-registered joint venture (EYE) has won the tender to build a tram line from Didi Digomi to Didube metro, with work expected to take 36 months. Urban Development Clash: Lawyer Irakli Abesadze claims Tbilisi City Hall has issued a permit to demolish the “Rike Tubes/Jugs,” warning it could enable a hotel/casino complex and calling it large-scale corruption. Airport Expansion: The government says construction is underway to expand Tbilisi International Airport, aiming to raise annual capacity to 10 million passengers. International Diplomacy: Georgia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia met UNGA President-elect Khalilur Rahman in New York to discuss priorities for the 81st UN General Assembly. Human Rights & OSCE Row: PM Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed an OSCE Parliamentary Assembly resolution as “lies and defamation,” accusing the body of acting against Georgia’s interests. Agriculture & Climate Skills: FAO marked Youth Skills Day with climate-smart farming training for students in Marneuli under EU-funded ENPARD IV. Justice System: Prosecutors say a British national detained in Georgia over “banned drugs” failed to provide verified medical documentation for prescription medicines.

Pro-European Protests: Demonstrators returned to Rustaveli Avenue for the 594th straight day, demanding a pro-European course, the release of political prisoners, and free elections, with EU and other flags visible. Court & Media Freedom: Tbilisi courts ordered TV Formula to retract defamatory claims and pay 10,000 GEL to film director Goga Khaindrava, tied to an investigative report alleging a corruption scheme. Security Crackdown: Georgia’s State Security Service says 28 people were arrested or charged across 14 cases in nine regions, including alleged bribery, forged documents, and fraud linked to public procurement and infrastructure projects. Migration Policy: PM Irakli Kobakhidze says Georgia plans to deport at least 4,000 illegal migrants, citing a sharp rise in deportations this year. Infrastructure & Urban Change: Tbilisi City Hall approved demolition of the unused “Rike Tubes” music theatre structures, with demolition set to be completed by Dec. 25. Connectivity Boost: Direct Tbilisi–Shanghai flights are set to start July 15, three times weekly, as Georgia pushes tourism and trade links with China.

Maritime Security: A major multinational naval exercise, Sea Breeze 26-2, is under way off the Dorset coast, running July 13–24 and focusing on mine countermeasures and interoperability with ships and teams from 16 countries, including Georgia. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Georgia’s State Security Service says 28 people were arrested across nine regions in 14 criminal cases tied to bribery, forged documents, fraud, and abuse of authority, including alleged damage in road, water, and school procurement. EU-Georgia Tensions: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated the EU wants to support the Georgian people, not the Georgian Dream government, while Georgian Dream leaders hit back, calling OSCE moves part of a “deep state” effort. Courtroom Fallout: Tbilisi City Court ordered TV Formula to pay 10,000 GEL in moral damages to film director Goga Khaindrava after a defamation dispute. City Development: Tbilisi City Hall issued a permit to demolish the unused “Rike Docks,” with dismantling required by Dec. 25. Travel & Trade: Direct Tbilisi–Shanghai flights start July 15, and Romania’s Transelectrica says the Black Sea power cable to Georgia has entered technical preparations. Justice Update: British veteran Matthew Roy Desmond is expected to return to the UK around July 16 after a plea deal and a 100,000 GEL fine. Public Safety: A mother and her three-year-old child died after a car crash in Gori; the driver was detained.

OSCE vs. Tbilisi: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze says the OSCE is “openly” involved in efforts to change Georgia’s government, calling its July 8 resolution an attempt to replace the current leadership through sanctions and “blackmail.” EU–Georgia row: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says Brussels wants to support the Georgian people, not the government, and Georgia’s FM Maka Bochorishvili replies that the EU is ignoring the voters’ democratic choice. Protests continue: Pro-European demonstrators kept up their sit-in outside parliament for a 593rd day, again demanding political prisoners’ release. Airport expansion: Kobakhidze launched a $150m modernization of Tbilisi’s Shota Rustaveli airport to lift annual capacity to 10 million passengers by 2028. City Hall demolition: Tbilisi City Hall says it has issued a permit to demolish the “Rike Jugs,” paving the way for a hotel project. Trade & finance: Georgia’s foreign trade turnover rose 5.8% in Jan–Jun 2026, with exports up 20.1%, while National Bank data shows bank reserves fell as prudential norms eased. Sports: Junior Springboks beat England U20 53-37 in Tbilisi to reach the final against France.

EU-Georgia Tensions: Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili hit back at EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, saying “I support the people, but not their government” is disrespectful and that Brussels is undermining Georgia’s sovereignty. Airport Expansion: Georgia has launched a $150m expansion of Tbilisi International Airport by TAV Georgia, aiming to double capacity from 5m to 10m passengers a year by 2028. Protests & Justice: Injured pro-EU protester Zviad Maisashvili says authorities won’t properly investigate violence despite 170 officially recognized victims, while only five people have been detained. Court Case: Opposition figure Aleko Elisashvili was sentenced to 13 years for attempted terrorism tied to a 2025 fire at the Tbilisi City Court chancellery. Prisoner Pardon Appeal: The Patriarchate appealed to the President to pardon prisoners, with the Synod possibly weighing in later. Environment: Georgia’s National Environmental Agency says Black Sea water quality along the entire Georgian coast is within normal limits. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Aliyev urged a “3+3” format to become equal six-party cooperation, warning against repeating an OSCE-style Minsk Group.

Prison Health Crisis: Russian protest convict Anastasia Zinovkina says medication access in a Georgian prison was cut after her transfer to a “closed type” regime, but prison authorities have now resumed issuing her meds after she raised the issue. Justice & Detention: In the “October 4” case, Beka Chulukhadze denies guilt over alleged diversion plans tied to the attempted storming of the presidential palace, while Georgy Chakhunashvili’s sons argue prosecutors demand an admission of guilt that could keep an innocent man jailed. Pro-European Protests: Demonstrators returned to Rustaveli Avenue for the 592nd straight day, again calling for political prisoners’ release and free elections; police protected Russian tourists after earlier offensive gestures. Youth Crime Watch: Tbilisi police detained five minors over thefts and robberies, with damage exceeding 14,000 lari. Sports (Georgia in focus): Georgia won bronze at the FIBA U16 Women’s EuroBasket Division C, beating Armenia 73-49, while Georgian freestyle wrestler Maxim Dimov became U20 European champion.

Pro-European March in Tbilisi: Thousands marked the 591st day of daily protests with a memorial march for Georgian fighters killed in Ukraine, with families taking part and flags of Georgia and Ukraine carried through the city. Teen Crime Snapshot: Georgian authorities detained 336 teenagers aged 14–17 for offenses from January to May, with theft, robbery and group violence topping charges, and Tbilisi accounting for about 40% of juvenile suspects. RAF Georgia Wrestling: Merab Dvalishvili beat Henry Cejudo in Tbilisi, while RAF Georgia also saw Kyrgyz captain Ernazar Akmataliev win his debut match. EU Travel Rules: Germany published its 2026 list of 62 countries eligible for visa-free entry for short stays, including Georgia. Regional Security & Trade: Reports say Russia stopped accepting new Kerch Strait passage applications after Ukrainian drone attacks, raising shipping and grain-export concerns. Energy Watch: India’s Russian crude imports hit a June record, up 34%, even as Russia’s oil revenue fell due to lower prices.

Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Police stepped in to separate rally participants and Russian tourists near parliament during the 591st day of demonstrations, as a procession honoring Georgian volunteers killed in Ukraine drew several thousand people. EU Path Update: EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski told Europe Day events in Batumi that Georgia is not among countries advancing toward EU membership, stressing EU rules tied to democratic progress. October 4 Case: Lawyer says Beka Chulukhadze, detained over the October 4, 2025 unrest, has pleaded not guilty; his trial is set for August 11. Domestic Violence Probe: Tbilisi City Court upheld electronic monitoring for former police officer Ioseb Sigua after allegations of threats and domestic violence; he has stepped down and faces restrictions. High-Profile Arrests: Georgian authorities detained Azerbaijani suspect Emin Aliyev at Batumi airport over the June 27 killing of Fatima Karimova in Tbilisi. Black Sea Security: Multinational maritime exercise Breeze 2026 kicked off in the western Black Sea with Georgia among participating navies. Sports Spotlight (RAF Georgia): Merab Dvalishvili’s rivalry with Umar Nurmagomedov spilled into a brawl at a Tbilisi press event ahead of Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo.

EU Accession Update: EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski told the Europe Day crowd in Batumi that Georgia is “not among” countries advancing toward EU membership, saying the EU’s support is steady but its rules on democratic progress are unchanged. Black Sea Security: The multinational maritime exercise Breeze 2026 kicked off in the western Black Sea, running to July 19, with navies and aircraft from Albania, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Türkiye, France and the US. High-Profile Crime: Georgian police detained Azerbaijani suspect Emin Aliyev at Batumi International Airport over the murder of Fatima Karimova in Tbilisi; the case is under Article 109, carrying up to 20 years or life. Rights in Strasbourg: The Council of Europe human rights commissioner asked to intervene in the ECHR “foreign agents” (FARA) case, with GYLA saying the law restricts civil society and media. Sports & Culture: RAF Georgia held in Tbilisi featured Merab Dvalishvili vs Henry Cejudo, plus a freestyle wrestling press-conference altercation ahead of the tournament. Energy & Trade: A Georgian road tender was announced for a four-lane highway linking Georgia with Armenia and Azerbaijan, while reports also note Azerbaijan-GE electricity supply and transit agreements.

Pro-European protests: Tbilisi demonstrators kept up their 590th day on Rustaveli Avenue, demanding EU/Euro-Atlantic course, free elections, and the release of prisoners of conscience, while accusing “Georgian Dream” of political arrests. Court & opposition: Aleko Elisashvili (Lelo–Strong Georgia) was sentenced to 13 years for attempted terrorism tied to an incident at the Tbilisi City Court; his coalition, allies, and President Salome Zurabishvili called it politically motivated, while the Strong Georgia–Lelo camp says courts are being used for retaliation. Security Service: Georgia’s SSSG says a wanted citizen was detained in the neutral zone on the Georgian-Armenian border in connection with the “October 4” unrest, alleging weapons and explosives meant for sabotage. Aviation & travel: OneClick Airways launched regular Tbilisi–Tel Aviv flights twice weekly, expanding Georgia–Israel air links. Regional energy: The IEA says Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan could rise to over 10 billion cubic meters in 2026. Economy: GCAP approved early redemption of $50m sustainability-linked bonds and extended its share buyback, aiming to finish a GEL 700m capital return ahead of schedule. Culture: Azerbaijan and Georgia held talks to expand cultural cooperation, including joint initiatives.

Courtroom Fallout: Aleko Elisashvili has been sentenced to 13 years in prison over an attempted terrorist act tied to events at the Tbilisi City Court building. Protest Pressure: Activists marked a 589th day of demonstrations on Rustaveli Avenue, demanding political prisoners’ release, free elections, and an end to “repressive laws.” Rights at Strasbourg: Ana Buchukuri says Georgian Dream is misusing an ECHR ruling to persecute people, accusing the government of propaganda tactics. Prison and Politics: Tengiz Sharmanashvili mocked UNM plans around “regional heroes” and repeated claims about Saakashvili’s foreign citizenship and political limits. International Case in Georgia: British war veteran Matthew Roy Desmond remains in custody after drug-related charges over prescription painkillers, despite lawyers saying apostille and translations were provided. Energy Deal: Azerbaijan approved an agreement with Georgia on electricity supply and transit for 20 years, reinforcing Tbilisi’s role as a regional hub. Economy & Markets: The National Bank of Georgia met London Stock Exchange Group representatives to discuss capital market development. Public Health & Licensing: Foreign medical grads in India complain about an “opaque” licensing exam process with no question papers or response sheets. Demographics: UNFPA says young people across Eastern Europe and Central Asia still want marriage and children, but money and structural barriers hold them back.

Georgian Courts & Politics: Lelo-Strong Georgia’s Badri Japaridze and lawyer Zviad Kordzadze attacked the “sabotage case” as unprecedented political persecution, arguing there’s “no factual evidence” and focusing on a witness claim that politicians were “distinguished by delivering speeches.” Human Rights & Media: Human Rights Watch says Georgia’s civil society is under pressure; Human Rights Watch-linked criticism adds to a wider pushback against Georgian Dream-era laws. OSCE Watch: The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted the Hague Declaration on Georgia, backing sovereignty while warning of democratic backsliding, violence against protesters, and restrictions on independent media. Public Broadcasting: GPB says it will not grant relatives of detained protesters live airtime or a meeting, citing editorial independence and legal protections. Economy & Finance: The Asian Development Bank kept Georgia’s 2026 growth forecast at 5.5% but cut broader regional expectations; meanwhile, Georgia’s National Bank hosted a conference on financial market indices and ETFs, and fined several microfinance organizations for AML/CFT violations. Infrastructure & Trade: Georgian Railway reported its highest monthly freight volume in a decade in June, citing modernization and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars restart. Regional Connectivity: Armenia’s PM said the TRIPP project would directly serve Iran’s interests and aims to start work on the ground this autumn. Local Life: Heavy rain forced a temporary closure of the passenger waiting area in Tbilisi airport’s arrival hall.

OSCE Clash Over Georgia: U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson says Georgia’s delegation “walked out” after the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted his Georgia resolution, and he’s now been elected chairman of the OSCE PA committee on political affairs and security. Human Rights Pressure on Azerbaijan: The Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner asked Azerbaijan for details on journalist Afgan Sadigov’s detention, after his arrest and pre-trial detention in June. Probation and Justice Snapshot: Georgia ranks third in Europe for probation population rates, with a Council of Europe report citing 468 probationers per 100,000 people (Jan 2025) and noting a sharp 22% drop from the prior year. Regional Connectivity Talks: The EU is discussing with Armenia and Azerbaijan how to support South Caucasus transport and connectivity, including humanitarian demining. Georgia Accountability at Home: Prosecutors say they solved a 2015 group murder case, while environmental inspectors reported 946 illegal forest-use cases and 4,575 vehicle emissions violations in major cities. Protests Continue: Supporters of Eurointegration marked 588 days of demonstrations in Tbilisi, with a court hearing testimonies tied to “Gavrilov’s Night.” Armenia-Iran Corridor Debate: Armenian PM Pashinyan argues the TRIPP transport project aligns with Iran’s interests and says Armenia is ready to address concerns transparently.

Pro-European Protests in Tbilisi: Supporters of Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course kept up their 588th day of demonstrations, demanding the release of political prisoners and testifying in court over the 2019 “Gavrilov’s Night” dispersal. OSCE Pressure on Georgia: The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted the “Hague Declaration” with a Georgia-focused resolution after the Georgian delegation boycotted the vote, accusing the text of distorting facts. Anaklia Port Update: China has reportedly exited the Anaklia Deep Sea Port project, and Georgia says it now wants a state-led “landlord” model to develop and operate the port. Georgia’s Economy Watch: The lari strengthened slightly against the USD, while Georgia’s international reserves rose to $7.12 billion in June; inflation edged up to 5.8% in June, with uncertainty tied to Middle East tensions. Justice System Clarification: Prosecutors say Bacho Akhalaia was convicted for calling for the overthrow of state power and a violent constitutional change—not for statements against Bidzina Ivanishvili. Regional/Global Spillovers: A US-led crackdown on India-based organized crime included arrests in Georgia, and NATO leaders met in Ankara amid heightened US-Iran tensions.