AGP Executive Report

Tbilisi–Sofia Cultural Bridge: Tbilisi Garden has officially opened in Sofia’s Lozenets district, fully renovated with new paving, landscaping, a playground and lighting, plus Georgian Embassy-donated furniture and a Tbilisi-themed mural—an “it’s small, but it matters” symbol of closer Georgian-Bulgarian ties. Georgia Politics & Rights: A Georgian court sentenced opposition figure Levan Khabeishvili to 2.5 years over alleged sabotage and inciting a coup tied to last year’s local elections, while the Council of Europe’s election watchdog says “genuinely democratic” conditions don’t exist amid pressure on opposition, civil society and independent media. Speech vs. Hate: Georgia’s PM says the state is drawing a line between criticism and hate speech, as the European Court of Human Rights backed fines for vulgar online insults aimed at officials. Energy & Transit: Georgia extended its 20-year gas purchase deal with Azerbaijan, and rail links are moving again—Baku–Tbilisi passenger services are set to resume from May 26. Regional Noise: Georgia’s PM also accused Brussels-linked circles of trying to pit Georgia and Armenia against each other, insisting relations are strategic and friendly.

Georgia-EU Culture & Industry: Tbilisi is set to host the next wave of public culture and business credibility, with the Georgian Diplomatic Society launched in the capital and the Tbilisi Art Fair 2026 opening May 22–24 at ExpoGeorgia, spotlighting young artist NOBU’s debut. Hate-Speech Crackdown: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze backed a new Ministry of Internal Affairs department to respond to “forms of hatred” online, arguing criticism is fine but insults and polarization need a structured response. Wine Competitiveness Push: The EU-backed FAO training in Georgia is training viticulture specialists on vineyard management—from pruning to soil assessment—aimed at boosting wine quality and market performance. Tech Marketing Milestone: Ad Geeks became the first Google DV360 Display & Video 360 partner in Georgia and the wider Caucasus, a rare local certification. Regional Mobility: Azerbaijan says passenger rail with Georgia will resume May 26 after a six-year pause, restoring the Baku–Tbilisi link even as land borders remain tightly restricted. Security Flash: Britain says Russian jets harassed an RAF reconnaissance plane over the Black Sea, triggering emergency systems during a close interception.

US Politics & Courts: Jan. 6 rioters and election deniers are celebrating Trump’s $1.8 billion compensation fund, with some saying they’ve lost jobs and careers and want payouts. Georgia–Azerbaijan Connectivity: Azerbaijan is reopening its land border and resuming passenger rail with Georgia from May 26, while the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars rail section is set to start operating by month-end—part of a wider energy and transit package signed in Baku. EU–Azerbaijan Reset: The EU and Baku are accelerating talks on a new framework deal as energy and transport ties deepen. Energy Finance: Azerbaijan’s energy ministry is pushing renewable and grid modernization cooperation with the EBRD and World Bank, including “green corridors” toward Europe. Security Flashpoint: A reported “danger close” RAF interception over the Black Sea—Russian jets flying within six metres—has triggered a formal UK protest. Regional Tech: A new survey ranks Central Asia’s startup scene as the fastest-growing, with Uzbekistan singled out as “Country of the Year 2026.”

Georgia–Azerbaijan Rail & Energy Push: Georgia’s PM says the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway details are finally settled, with the Georgian section to start by month-end, while a new Baku–Tbilisi–Baku passenger schedule is set and rail service is set to resume from May 26; at the same time, Tbilisi and Baku signed a package extending gas supply for 20 years and agreeing on a “social tariff,” plus electricity and transit terms. Transit Paperwork Gap: A TRACECA transport forum in Astana highlighted that Georgia did not join an intergovernmental deal on a unified road transit permit—leaving a key administrative link unclear. Human Rights in the Spotlight: The ECHR ruled that obscene, degrading public statements against officials are outside freedom of expression, backing Georgia’s minimum fine case. Local Politics & Protest Pressure: Tbilisi’s mayor Kakha Kaladze is responding to Saarbrücken ending ties over Georgia’s protest and media restrictions, while a separate court case shows heightened political tension around alleged attempted terrorism. Regional Watch: Moldova summoned Russia’s ambassador after Putin’s fast-track Transnistria citizenship decree, which critics call a mobilisation tool.

Rail Revival: Georgia says the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars line’s Georgian section will start operating by month-end, and passenger rail between Tbilisi and Baku is set to return from May 26—another boost to the Middle Corridor. Energy & Transit Deals: At Aliyev–Kobakhidze talks in Baku, both sides signed a package covering 20-year gas supply terms, electricity imports/transit, and pipeline/rail upgrades, positioning Azerbaijan as Georgia’s key energy partner. Diplomacy Reset: Zelensky orders diplomats to “reset” relations with Hungary and Georgia, while Ukraine–Georgia contacts aim at normalization “on mutual respect.” Church & Society: Patriarch Shio III’s first steps include calls for amnesty for political prisoners, plus meetings with parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Human Rights Friction: Tbilisi’s leadership escalates its dispute with Germany after Saarbrücken moves to end official ties, citing Georgia’s protest and media restrictions. Regional Tensions: Moldova summons Russia’s ambassador over Putin’s fast-track Transnistria citizenship decree. Economy Watch: Georgia’s imports fell 4.9% in early 2026, with car imports down sharply.

Georgia–Azerbaijan Deal Push: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s Baku visit delivered a fresh package of energy and transport agreements, including a 20-year gas supply extension and new terms for electricity supply and transit, plus a deal on the Baku–Supsa oil pipeline aimed at restarting Central Asia-to-Europe oil transit. Rail Revival: The two sides also confirmed daily passenger rail between Tbilisi and Baku will resume May 26 after a six-year pause, tied to the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars corridor works. Regional Governance Spotlight: Georgia’s leadership is in the spotlight at WUF13 in Baku, where officials framed urban planning and connectivity as key to stability. Domestic Policy Move: Georgia’s Interior Ministry plans a hate-speech and aggressive-campaign monitoring unit to proactively assess public communications and take legal action. Migration Numbers: Georgia recorded 201 registered asylum seekers in early 2026, while 904 foreign nationals were expelled in the same period.

Energy & Transport Deal: Georgia and Azerbaijan signed a package of energy and transport agreements in Baku, including a 20-year extension of the gas purchase-and-sale deal and a 20-year intergovernmental framework for electricity supply and transit. Rail Revival: After a six-year pause, daily passenger rail traffic between Tbilisi and Baku will resume from May 26, with the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars line set for full operation. Regional Connectivity Push: The same visit also ties into broader corridor plans, including use of the Baku–Supsa pipeline for oil transit from Central Asia to Europe. Domestic Policy: Georgia’s Interior Ministry is set to create a new unit for systematic monitoring of hate speech and aggressive public campaigns, with legal follow-up. Diplomacy Watch: Georgian and Ukrainian foreign ministers met again in Chisinau, signaling continued warming ties. EU Border Pressure: New figures show more people being refused entry to the EU/Schengen, with refusals rising across several countries.

NATO Drills, US Pullback: NATO is running its biggest special forces exercise in Europe, “Trojan Footprint 2026,” with about 3,000 troops across 10 countries—even as the US reduces military support for allies. Church & Politics: Georgia marked Family Purity Day with huge marches led by newly enthroned Patriarch Shio III, who warned against abortion and “gender ideologies,” while Georgian Dream officials joined the events. Georgia-Ukraine Reset: In Chisinau, Maka Botchorishvili met Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha and both sides signaled continued dialogue after years of strain, including reactions to the Tskhinvali treaty. Caspian Energy Push: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is in Azerbaijan for the UN World Urban Forum, while BP doubles down on Azerbaijan-led Caspian plans—calling it an “energy hub for decades to come.” Humanitarian Pressure: In Tbilisi, parents of children with Duchenne disease are marching again, demanding access to imported medicine.

Duchenne Demand in Tbilisi: A march supporting children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy is moving from the Rustaveli metro area toward the Government Administration under the slogan “Give medicine to the children,” with parents carrying red balloons and urging urgent help to import life-saving treatment—after 28 days of continuous protests. NATO Drills as US Cuts Back: NATO’s biggest special forces exercise in Europe is underway with about 3,000 elite troops from the US, UK and 22 nations, testing responses to sabotage and cyber attacks as Washington reduces support for allies. Ukraine at Eurovision: Ukraine’s LELÉKA topped the scoreboard thanks to major points from countries including Georgia, Poland and the Czech Republic, while the wider contest remains politically charged. Russia-Ukraine Pressure: Ukrainian forces struck a Russian command post on Arabat Spit in Kherson, with reports citing drone attacks and a major fire. Transnistria Passport Push: Moldova’s Sandu condemned Putin’s fast-track decree for Transnistria residents, calling it a recruitment tool for war. Church & Community: In Tbilisi, Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III leads his first festive liturgy at Sameba as Family Purity Day processions continue across the city.

Immigration Crackdown: Under Trump’s enforcement push, US immigration judges issued a surge of voluntary departure orders—over 80,000 from Jan 2025 to Mar 2026, up sevenfold from the Biden era—while monthly rates jumped from about 750 to more than 9,000 in March, with critics saying many departures are effectively coerced by long detention. Eurovision Finale Fallout: Vienna’s Eurovision 2026 Grand Final ended with Finland/Australia taking the crown, but the UK’s entry “Look Mum No Computer” finished low, and the contest stayed politically charged as multiple countries boycotted over Israel’s Gaza role. Russia’s Passportization: Vladimir Putin signed a decree speeding Russian citizenship for residents of Transnistria, removing usual residency, language, and history hurdles—another step in Moscow’s hybrid pressure in Eastern Europe. Georgia–Ukraine Diplomacy: Georgia says it met Ukraine’s FM in Chisinau to discuss support for Ukraine and obstacles to normalization. Regional Connectivity: The ADB backed digital and trade corridor work involving Azerbaijan and Georgia, aiming to build cross-border digital services.

Tribunal Tension: Georgia refused to join the agreement creating a special tribunal to prosecute Russia’s “crime of aggression,” a move critics say shows the Georgian Dream government “trading in values” while Europe pushes for accountability. Ukraine-Georgia Reset: Georgian FM Maka Bochorishvili met Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha in Chisinau to discuss support for Ukraine and the obstacles still blocking full normalization. Russia Passport Push: Putin signed a decree fast-tracking Russian citizenship for Transnistria residents, cutting language and residency hurdles—another step in Moscow’s passportization playbook. Eurovision Fallout: The 2026 final in Vienna goes ahead with 25 countries, but a boycott over Israel’s participation keeps politics front and center. Azerbaijan Energy & Trade: BP advances deep gas plans at ACG/ Shah Deniz, while ADB backs Azerbaijan-led regional trade and green-growth support. Culture in DC: Georgian Days runs May 17–26 in Washington, celebrating independence with dance, language workshops, and a diaspora literary launch.

Immigration Crackdown: The Trump era’s enforcement is reshaping U.S. asylum claims fast—voluntary departure orders jumped from about 750 a month under Biden to over 9,000 in March 2026, with most people requesting to leave while already in detention, raising fresh accusations of coercion. Russia’s Passport Push: Putin signed a decree making it easier for residents of Transnistria to get Russian citizenship—skipping usual residency, language, and history requirements—another step in Moscow’s hybrid pressure in Eastern Europe. Eurovision in Vienna: The 70th Eurovision Grand Final is tonight amid boycott fallout over Israel’s participation, with 25 finalists set and a full running order already out. Caspian Energy Moves: BP says it’s pushing ahead on Azerbaijan gas recovery plans at ACG and Shah Deniz, while the ADB backed a regional trade-and-green-growth project that includes Azerbaijan. Georgia-Ukraine Diplomacy: Georgia’s FM met Ukraine’s FM in Chisinau, calling for a “transparent, pragmatic” dialogue and noting obstacles to normalization.

Immigration Crackdown: In the US, voluntary departures are surging under Trump’s enforcement push—orders jumped from about 750 a month under Biden to over 9,000 in March 2026, with more than 70% of those leaving coming from immigration detention, raising fresh accusations of coercion. Ukraine-Georgia Diplomacy: Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha met Georgia’s Maka Bochorishvili at the Council of Europe, calling it a “transparent, pragmatic, and constructive” continuation of top-level dialogue. Russia-Georgia Tensions: Botchorishvili warned that a new South Ossetia–Russia “deepening alliance” deal is another step toward annexation. Energy & Business: SOCAR appointed Levan Davitashvili CEO of Italiana Petroli after the acquisition. Eurovision in Vienna: Bulgaria’s DARA qualified for Saturday’s final and will perform entry #12. Food Security Shock: A report links soaring fertilizer costs to Iran-war disruption risks around the Strait of Hormuz, warning of wider food-price pressure.

Immigration Crackdown Fallout: The Trump era’s enforcement push is driving a surge in “voluntary departures” from the US—orders jumped from about 750 a month under Biden to over 9,000 in March 2026, with most people who left having been held in detention, raising fresh questions about pressure and due process. Regional Border Pressure: Latvia reported 2,765 refusals of entry in 2025 and returned thousands more, while a separate report says Armenians trying to reach Russia for work via Georgia’s Upper Lars checkpoint have faced new obstacles. Georgia’s Culture & Politics: The new Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III urged unity and peace, as Georgia’s pro-government Imedi TV was banned from the European Parliament for a year over filming rules. Security & Influence: Russia ratified a deeper alliance with occupied Tskhinvali, critics say it’s annexation by another name. Eurovision Buzz: Australia’s Delta Goodrem qualified for the final, while Georgia and Armenia were eliminated in the second semi-final. Business Watch: Tegeta Holding sold 2-year bonds at a record-low 6.25% coupon, and QR codes are set to become mandatory on alcohol bottles.

Immigration Crackdown: A new report says ICE strapped immigrants with restraints for a 51-hour deportation flight that dropped detainees across six countries, as removals hit record levels and more people are choosing “voluntary departures” instead of staying in detention. Defense Reset in Europe: Sweden has started rebuilding its full defense system after Russia’s Crimea annexation, with experts saying Stockholm should have reacted even earlier, including after the 2008 Georgia war. Georgia’s Strategic Debate: A fresh analysis argues Georgia’s drift from the West is narrowing its room to balance Russia risk with Western ties—while also opening a possible trade-route “window” for Armenia. Regional Tensions: Armenian church relics were vandalized in Javakhk, and Azerbaijan’s rhetoric again blamed Armenia for starting the South Caucasus war. Local Governance & Economy: Parliament approved mandatory QR codes on alcohol bottles, and Tegeta Holding placed EUR 11m in bonds at a record-low 6.25% coupon. Culture & Security: Georgia hosts an IAEA regional meeting on nuclear and radiation emergency preparedness.

Armenia–Iran Energy Fix: Armenia’s economy minister says the long-running issue blocking Iranian LPG supplies has been resolved, with Iranian gas expected back in the market soon—aimed at easing prices (Aparan is cited at 240 drams, with hopes to reach 200). Eurovision in Vienna: Semi-final 2 is under way tonight, with 15 countries chasing the last 10 spots; Armenia’s Simón performs “Paloma Rumba,” while the UK’s Look Mum No Computer (Sam Battle) takes the stage. Tourism Boost: Armenia reports 453,138 foreign visitors in Q1 2026, up 17.2% year-on-year, led by Russia, Georgia and Iran. South Caucasus Transport: Georgian and Armenian railway officials agree on a summer branded Yerevan–Batumi–Yerevan train and a new tourist route. Armenia–Turkey Trade Thaw: Armenia says preparations for direct trade are complete, letting Turkish exporters name Armenia as destination and Armenian firms import directly without intermediaries. Georgia Watch: A new snapshot shows narcological certificate results in Georgia—most positive cases are men aged 25–44.