AGP Executive Report

Euro-Atlantic Protests: Protesters on Rustaveli Avenue kept up their 586th day of demonstrations despite heavy rain, demanding the release of political prisoners and a return to Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course. Human Rights at OSCE: The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly committee approved a draft Georgia resolution warning about democratic backsliding, restrictive laws, and alleged harassment of opposition figures and peaceful demonstrators. Court Verdict: Former defense minister Bacho Akhalaya was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months over a courtroom statement calling for the overthrow of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s government. Same-Sex Marriage Claim: The Georgian Patriarchate says EU officials asked the Church to help promote same-sex marriage, a move it says could fuel anti-European sentiment. Anaklia Port Funding: Georgia’s new Anaklia deep-sea port model means the state may need about $200 million more, with berths and core infrastructure now included. Trade & Transport: Uzbekistan and Georgia agreed to move road freight permits fully online, and Uzbekistan is also weighing participation in Anaklia’s development. Environment Rule Change: Georgia postponed a ban on single-use plastic food containers and cups for public catering until 2027.

Anaklia Port Plan: Georgia’s economy ministry says the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port will be built under a “Landlord” model, with the state keeping ownership of core infrastructure while road/rail links are state-funded and private/international investors develop container and bulk terminals—aimed at making Anaklia a Middle Corridor cargo hub, including with interest from China, Central Asia and Azerbaijan. EU Pressure on Georgia: ALDE calls on EU leaders to impose targeted sanctions on the Ivanishvili regime over rights abuses and repression, while urging medical support for Elene Khoshtaria and the release of political prisoners. Protests in Tbilisi: Activists marked day 585 of daily protests by sending an open letter to EU politicians, demanding Euro-integration, fair elections, and the release of women political prisoners. Transport Tech: Georgia and Türkiye launched a digital road freight permit system, moving permit issuance and verification fully online to cut paperwork and delays. Energy Sanctions Fallout: Black Sea Petroleum says it will stop refining Russian crude oil in August–September amid growing scrutiny over sanctions compliance. Culture & Community: Cellfie returns as telecom partner for Tbilisi Open Air 2026, and the National Teacher Award shortlist names 10 finalists.

EU-Georgia Protest Pressure: Georgian protesters at parliament marked the 585th day of daily demonstrations, sending an open message to EU leaders to keep Georgia on the Euro-integration path, demand the release of political prisoners, and push for fair parliamentary elections. Armenia’s Election Fallout: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan won re-election after the June 7 vote, a development seen as stabilizing for regional talks with Azerbaijan, but raising concerns at home over repression and curbs on free speech. Energy and Trade Links: Georgia’s Kulevi oil refinery is set to stop using Russian crude, while Georgia and Uzbekistan signed cooperation accords and Uzbekistan is weighing investment in Georgia’s deep-sea port project to expand the Black Sea trade corridor. Regional Human Rights Watch: A UN Human Rights Council session heard a report on Georgia’s human rights situation, with calls for Georgia to review laws and investigate alleged violations. Tourism and Economy: Batumi hosted an international tourism conference focused on sustainable development, while Georgia’s blueberry exports continue to surge, with Russia taking nearly all shipments.

Protests in Tbilisi: On day 584 of daily demonstrations, activists marched to parliament demanding the release of women political prisoners, naming Nanu Sander, Anastasia Zinovkina, Mzia Amaglobeli, and Elene Khoshtaria, with slogans and flags of Georgia and the USA. EU stance on Georgia: ALDE adopted a resolution backing Georgia’s democratic struggle, warning of politically motivated arrests and calling for attention to the deteriorating health of Elene Khoshtaria. Blueberry exports: Georgia’s blueberry exports rose 9% and topped $34 million, with Russia still taking nearly all shipments (about 95%); 2,200 tonnes worth $15.7m were exported between May 1 and June 21. Energy and trade links: Georgia and Kazakhstan discussed deeper cooperation, including plans to boost oil exports via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Oil refinery shift: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery is set to stop using Russian crude, aligning with broader efforts to reduce reliance on Russian oil. International diplomacy: President Mikheil Kavelashvili attended Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran, alongside leaders including Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan.

Protests for political prisoners: Thousands marched in Tbilisi for the 584th day of daily demonstrations, demanding the release of women political prisoners, including Nanu Sander and Elene Khoshtaria, whose health has reportedly deteriorated in Rustavi prison. EU pressure on Georgia: ALDE adopted a resolution at its Vienna congress backing Georgia’s democratic struggle, warning of arrests and restrictions on freedoms, and calling on the EU to keep visa-free travel for Georgians. OSCE election and rights concerns: A draft OSCE Parliamentary Assembly “Hague Declaration” resolution slated for July 8 flags alleged violations in Georgia’s 2024 parliamentary vote, restrictive “foreign influence” and protest laws, and calls for fundamental freedoms. International spotlight at Khamenei funeral: Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili attended Iran’s multi-day funeral for Ali Khamenei, as delegations from dozens of countries arrived in Tehran. Sports and culture (local tie-ins): BRAVE CF 107 on Aug. 1 in Bulgaria features Georgian fighter Bidzina Gavashelishvili.

Iran Funeral Diplomacy: Tehran has begun a six-day national mourning for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with high-ranking Iranian officials and foreign leaders paying tribute at Imam Khomeini’s Mosalla in central Tehran; Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili and Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan are among the visiting dignitaries, while Western governments stay largely absent. Regional Security & Georgia: Russia’s deputy foreign minister says Moscow wants a legally binding non-use-of-force deal involving Georgia, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia, pointing to existing hotlines and incident mechanisms. Immigration Crackdown: Georgia detained 50 foreign nationals in nationwide enforcement actions for immigration violations, transferring them to a temporary accommodation centre as deportation procedures begin. Court Update (Giga Avaliani case): Giorgi Malania was remanded in custody in the teacher’s murder case, with prosecutors seeking pre-trial detention. Georgia-Uzbekistan Culture: A monument to Uzbek poet Alisher Navoi was unveiled in Tbilisi, highlighting renewed cultural ties. Energy/Trade Context: A report links the Middle Corridor’s surge to Azerbaijan’s role, citing increased cargo flows and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway’s freight growth.

Protests in Tbilisi: Opposition supporters kept up a 583rd night of demonstrations outside Parliament, calling for fair elections and the release of women political prisoners, including Nanu Sander, who again alleged inhumane treatment in prison. Iran funeral diplomacy: Iran began a week of ceremonies for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with foreign leaders and delegations arriving in Tehran; Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili is among those attending, while reports note key powers like China, Russia and Turkey were absent from parts of the official service. Georgia-Uzbekistan ties: Georgia and Uzbekistan signed new strategic cooperation deals, aiming to lift annual trade to $1 billion and expanding work in finance, customs, transport and tourism. Economy & trade: Georgia exported 5,200 tons of blueberries worth $34.2m in May 1–July 2, up 9% by volume; Georgia was also elected to lead a BSEC banking and finance working group for two years. Justice & rights: TV Formula was placed under investigation over a complaint tied to “false denunciation,” while a separate case in Tbilisi involves an Azerbaijani woman’s death reportedly treated as an “honour killing.”

Uzbekistan–Georgia Strategic Partnership: Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze in Tbilisi, signing a landmark strategic partnership declaration and a wide package of deals spanning customs, ICT, education, science, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, labor migration, and nuclear safety, including an e-permit exchange system. Human Rights at the UN: In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Council heard OHCHR’s report on Georgia, citing restrictions on civic space and alleged abuses during protests, urging prompt independent investigations and fair trials. Geneva Talks on Occupied Regions: Georgia’s MFA said its delegation raised deep concern about Russia’s May 9 agreement with the Tskhinvali occupation regime, calling it legally void and stressing the need to restore the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism in Gali. Energy and Trade Logistics: bp transferred operation of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline to SOCAR Midstream Operations, while Georgia’s Kulevi refinery plans to process fully non-Russian crude from August–September. Public Health Readiness: Georgia’s Emergency Medical Team received WHO classification after a verification mission, aligning it with international disaster-response standards. Sports (Local Connection): South Africa’s Junior Springboks beat Georgia 33-5 in Tbilisi, with the match described as physical and emotionally charged.

Energy & Sanctions: Georgia’s Kulevi refinery will stop processing Russian crude in August–September 2026, switching to non-Russian oil and expanding output to road bitumen (Q1 2027) and aviation fuel (Q2 2027). Regional Diplomacy: Georgia raised concerns at the 67th Geneva International Discussions over a May 9 Russia–Tskhinvali “agreement,” calling it legally void and urging return of IDPs and refugees. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council heard OHCHR’s report urging Georgia to review 2025 amendments and launch prompt, independent investigations into alleged abuses during the 2024–2025 protests. Politics at Home: Pro-European demonstrators kept up nightly rallies on Rustaveli Avenue, demanding open fair elections and the release of political prisoners. Central Asia Ties: Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Tbilisi for a state visit, with talks and agreements expected to deepen trade and connectivity. Economy: Consumer prices rose 5.7% y/y in May, while Georgia also extended a plastic bottle ban for catering venues to 2031.

Human Rights Watch: HRW urged Georgia to repeal repressive laws, end politically motivated prosecutions, and ensure independent investigations into police violence, warning of a sharp rights deterioration since 2024. Energy & Sanctions: Georgia’s Kulevi oil refinery says it will stop processing Russian crude by August-September and switch to non-Russian supplies, citing sanctions risk. Security Talks: Russia again pressed Georgia to sign a legally binding non-use-of-force deal with occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia at the Geneva discussions, while Abkhazia’s de facto foreign minister blamed Georgia for blocking progress. Court & Justice: Tbilisi City Court kept Giorgi Udzilauri in pre-trial detention in an espionage case as the matter moves into substantive hearings. Oil Corridor Update: SOCAR took over operatorship of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline from BP, a major shift in the regional energy corridor’s management. Consumer Watch: Georgia’s consumer agency reports a 112% jump in complaints in the first half of 2026, with online shopping driving most cases. Business Links: Georgia and Uzbekistan pushed deeper economic ties at a business forum ahead of Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev’s visit. Culture: Georgia handed Brazil a cultural cooperation memorandum, aiming to expand joint projects in heritage, film, and creative industries. Sports: Junior Springboks begin their U20 campaign in Tbilisi, with Georgia set to be their toughest test at Avchala Stadium.

Pro-European Protests: Protesters on Rustaveli Avenue marked a new night of demonstrations, calling for the release of political prisoners including Nana Sander and others, as activists also highlighted solidarity with released detainees. Diplomatic Spotlight: Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is set to visit Georgia on July 2–3 for high-level talks with President Mikheil Kavelashvili and PM Irakli Kobakhidze, with trade, investment, transport corridors, and regional cooperation on the agenda. EU Integration & Information War: The Polish Embassy in Tbilisi held a youth meeting in Zugdidi on resisting Russian disinformation and learning from Poland’s EU path. Economy Watch: Georgia’s current account deficit narrowed in Q1 2026, improving year-on-year as services exports rose, including faster growth in computer and information services. Energy & Trade: BP transferred operatorship of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline to SOCAR’s subsidiary, covering operations across Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. Education Reform: Georgia’s education ministry says textbooks will be fully revamped by 2028 and school uniforms will be rolled out gradually starting this year. Sports (Local Stakes): South Africa’s Junior Springboks prepare for a physical clash in Tbilisi against Georgia in the Junior World Championship.

Energy & Transit: SOCAR takes over operatorship of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline from bp starting July 1, covering all BTC sections across Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye, while bp keeps control of the Sangachal terminal. Regional Trade: Kazakhstan says it plans to boost oil shipments via BTC and expand its role in Georgia’s Black Sea ports after talks in Astana with Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council will hear OHCHR’s Georgia report on July 2, including recommendations on peaceful assembly and allegations of arbitrary detention and excessive force against journalists. Justice & Accountability: Georgia sentences two founders of surrogacy firm Kinderly Georgia to 10 years each for embezzling funds from surrogate mothers and intended parents. Media Freedom: Georgian Dream suspends accreditations of three TV Pirveli journalists, citing rules tied to recording refusals during parliamentary interviews. City Infrastructure: Tbilisi launches an international tender for a feasibility study on linking the capital to Mtskheta, Rustavi, the airport and eastern districts using the existing railway corridor. Business & Connectivity: Georgia-Uzbekistan Business Forum opens in Tbilisi with dozens of companies and B2B meetings planned.

Hospitality & Tourism: Rotana has signed a deal to bring its first ski resort to Georgia, unveiling Rotana’s Gudauri Ski Resort with about 400 keys, ski-in/ski-out access, and spa and entertainment plans. Wine Exports: Georgia keeps pushing its wine abroad: Georgian wine was showcased at London’s Ultimate CEE Wine Fair, while Agriculture Minister David Songulashvili visited Labara Winery in Baghdati to highlight support for small and medium producers and wine tourism. Pro-European Protests: Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue protests hit a new milestone, with demonstrators marking 580 straight days and again calling for the release of political prisoners including Nana Sander. Justice & Accountability: A court approved a plea agreement for activist Tamar Lortkipanidze, sentencing her to 1 year in prison plus 3 years conditional, after she damaged a patrol police vehicle during a 2025 protest. Regional Security Ties: Georgia and Armenia continue deepening internal security cooperation, with Armenia’s PM and interior officials meeting Georgian counterparts and discussing joint efforts against crime and illicit drug trafficking. Central Asia Link: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze signed a strategic partnership agreement with Kazakhstan’s leadership in Astana, focusing on trade, investment, culture, information tech, and tourism. Corruption Watch: Council of Europe’s GRECO stressed that top officials must lead by example in fighting corruption, as it set deadlines for further compliance steps. International Presence: Georgia’s President Mikheil Kavelashvili is confirmed to attend Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Iran.

Occupied Regions Diplomacy: Giorgi Gakharia says Georgia must raise Russia’s “annexation” push in the Tskhinvali region at the Geneva International Discussions, accusing the Georgian government of staying silent as Moscow accelerates integration steps. Parliament Under Pressure: Gakharia’s party is demanding an investigation into the June 26 parliamentary brawl, saying law enforcement has been “criminally silent” three days later. Surrogacy Case: The Tbilisi City Court sentenced Kinderly Georgia founders to 10 years each over alleged embezzlement of over 2.06 million GEL from prospective parents and surrogate mothers. Rights & Surveillance: AlgorithmWatch reports Georgia’s Interior Ministry has used a Russian-linked facial recognition system to identify and track protesters, raising human-rights concerns. Regional Trade & Transit: Kazakhstan and Georgia reaffirmed a strategic partnership in Astana, focusing on trade, energy, transport, logistics and digital cooperation, including plans to expand oil transit via Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan. Aviation Links: Flyone launched direct flights from Chisinau to Batumi, while Norwegian began Copenhagen–Tbilisi service. Agriculture & Business: Minister David Songulashvili met Türkiye’s ambassador to expand cooperation and visited Nutrimaxi’s animal feed plant, highlighting state support for agro-industry.

Protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators on Rustaveli Avenue for the 579th night demanded the release of Nana Sander and other political prisoners, holding EU, USA and Ukraine flags and calling for “Freedom for political prisoners.” Court and opposition: Opposition figure Zviad Kuprava was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months for alleged calls to violently overthrow Georgia’s constitutional order. Strasbourg legal pressure: The European Court of Human Rights has begun a substantive review of a case over the seizure of bank accounts of five Georgian NGOs, signaling potential international scrutiny of restrictions on civil society. EU-facing civil society: Georgian activist Tamar Giorgadze was fined ₾3,000 over a Facebook post cursing Bidzina Ivanishvili, as authorities expand hate-speech enforcement. Regional diplomacy: Kazakhstan and Georgia elevated ties to a strategic partnership in Astana, agreeing on trade, energy cooperation and Middle Corridor logistics, plus culture, tourism and AI/digital development. Connectivity boost: A new direct Tbilisi–Copenhagen air route launched, with flights twice a week. Economy and trade: Georgian wine imports to the US faced a 7% average effective tariff in 2025, while APM Terminals Poti is investing in a new mobile harbour crane to expand capacity.

ECHR Watch: Georgia’s civil society groups say the European Court of Human Rights has started the substantive review of their complaint over frozen bank accounts, with the case flagged as having “significant impact” for rights and civil society. Parliament & Protest: A court fined activist Tamar Giorgadze 3,000 GEL over a post about Bidzina Ivanishvili, while lawmakers also faced fresh clashes in parliament tied to the prime minister’s annual address. Surveillance Claims: A watchdog alleges Georgian authorities used Russian facial recognition tech to identify anti-government protesters in Tbilisi, pointing to “special electronic” systems linked to camera footage. International Ties: Georgia appointed diplomat Beka Dvali as ambassador to Israel, and Georgian Dream-backed officials launched a new Poti port berth with a U.S. $25m loan, framed as boosting the Middle Corridor. Economy & Trade: Georgia’s fruit and vegetable juice exports rose 22% to $14.2m in early 2026, and London-listed Georgian firms closed the week mixed-to-lower. Aviation & Connectivity: Norway launched its first scheduled flights to Georgia, while Air Astana marked 15 years of direct links with Kazakhstan.