The authors conclude that Washington should no longer consider this area as a peripheral part, since its stability is directly related to Europe’s energy security.The Caucasus - Eurasia Economic BridgeThe study emphasizes that the war in Ukraine has accelerated the birth of a new Eurasian order. In this context, the South Caucasus is a key trade and transit corridor connecting Central Asia to European markets.However, analysts say this function is at risk as long as the North Caucasus remains under Russian dominance. The North Caucasus has been described as a “structural lock” that acts as a “sword of Damocles” on southern transit routes.Two key scenariosThe authors consider two main scenarios: Maintaining Russian control: Russia maintains its power projection and imposes a permanent “risk surcharge” on regional ties, which discourages investment and complicates economic planning. Weakening Russian influence: Weakening Moscow’s control over the North Caucasus frees the region from the blockade. This creates the opportunity for the Black Sea-Caspian region to become a fully integrated system, free from external constraints. The article concludes: “In this order, the protection of key points in the Black Sea-Caspian region becomes a strategic imperative for the West.” The authors urge politicians to start thinking about the region as a unified system now, so as not to miss the prospect of a Eurasia free from Russian influence.

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Under the current “Local Self-Government Code”, self-governing cities other than Tbilisi do not have the right to establish LEPLs and carry out activities such as expedited issuance of construction permits, regulation of outdoor advertising or other paid municipal services. According to the new draft, the city council will establish LEPLs upon the recommendation of the mayor, and the mayor will appoint and dismiss their head.According to the submitted document, municipal LEPLs may be established for the purpose of developing urban development concepts, preparing general plans, privatizing property, organizing public transport and regulating parking rules. In addition, the self-governing city council will be authorized, based on the mayor's proposal, to determine the fees required for the provision of these services.The initiators of the draft law are members of the parliamentary majority, including Irakli Kadagishvili, Nino Tsilosani and Dimitri Samkharadze. The enactment of the changes will allow self-governing cities to manage local resources more flexibly and accelerate the implementation of infrastructure or service projects.

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According to the SSSG, the delegation held meetings with senior officials from the Czech Republic’s intelligence services to discuss security matters.

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According to him, some essential solutions must be found in this situation.“We are eager to become a full-fledged member of the European Union. We share the same goal as North Macedonia, but we also recognise that the European Union itself is facing some very significant and fundamental challenges. For many years, there were some specific strengths for the European Union: a strong identity, a strong level of prosperity, and the strengths in terms of democracy and rule of law. But now, if you look at the current state of the European Union, it is facing challenges in all three of these areas. We are very much concerned about that, and we remain hopeful that the situation will improve in the future,” Irakli Kobakhidze has said.When we talk about the South Caucasus, Georgia’s Prime Minister said, all these uncertainties and global challenges are naturally affecting our region as well. At the same time, the South Caucasus is also gaining particular importance in light of these wider developments.“We are doing our best to take advantage of the relevant opportunities. For many years, Georgia has proved to be a reliable bridge between Europe and Asia, and we are working hard to strengthen our connectivity function as much as possible. In the current circumstances, when trade routes face special pressures, we can offer valuable services to our partners in different parts of the world. Georgia serves as a transit hub for the efficient movement of goods, services, energy, and digital data, and we will continue to do our utmost to strengthen that function.Our approach, which is grounded in peace, progress, and development, is proving successful. If you look at the economic data, Georgia’s economic policy and overall governance record speak for themselves. Over the last five years, Georgia has had the highest average economic growth rate in Europe, at 9.3% since 2021, and we have started this year strongly as well, with 8.4% growth in January and February,”Irakli Kobakhidze has stated.According to Georgia’s Prime Minister, the country is working to maintain peace and stability within its borders, ensure economic progress, and promote connectivity.“With this approach, we not only preserve peace at home, but also contribute to broader peace across the South Caucasus region. We are very proud to be a strong partner with Turkey in this regard,” Irakli Kobakhidze has stated.

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Gogita Todradze, who has been the head of the National Statistical Service since 2018, will assume his new four-year term starting May 3, 2026. The official, who holds an academic doctorate in economics, has almost 25 years of experience working in the agency, where he began her career in 2002 as an economist.During his career, Todradze held the positions of Head of the Business Statistics Department and Deputy Executive Director. At the same time, he is actively involved in international statistical activities, including holding the position of a member of the Bureau and Vice-President of the UNECE Conference of European Statisticians since 2025, and in 2020-2022 he was the Chairman of the Bureau of the UNESCAP Committee on Statistics.In addition to public service, Gogita Todradze has many years of academic experience - he is an associate of GIPA and a full professor at the Caucasus International University. In accordance with the legislation, the head of Geostat is appointed by the Prime Minister, which ensures continuity of management of the data production agency.

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According to the draft law, the Georgian Red Cross Society will no longer be required to be in agreement with the government when issuing grants. Financial and credit institutions are also included in the list of exceptions.Key details: Red Cross: For greater clarity, the law will explicitly state that the law’s requirements will not apply to funds issued by member organizations of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Financial institutions: The exception will apply to organizations such as the World Bank. According to the chairman of the committee, Archil Gorduladze, such grants are mainly equivalent to loan agreements, are already agreed with the government through other procedures and do not serve political goals. Existing exceptions: The list already includes the following programs: Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, Creative Europe and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). According to the amendments, funds issued by diplomatic missions and international organizations that may be used for activities in the public interest of a foreign government or political party will no longer be considered grants.

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According to the Presidential Administration, the Georgian President and Kazakhstani FM reviewed Georgia-Kazakhstan friendly and partnership relations, accentuating successful cooperation in various spheres.They stressed that the partnership is based on mutual respect and both national and regional interests. Mikheil Kavelashvili and Ermek Kosherbayev focused on global political processes, challenges facing the South Caucasus and Central Asia, the rapidly changing geopolitical environment and the increasing role of the Middle Corridor in regional connectivity.Mikheil Kavelashvili thanked Ermek Kosherbayev for unwavering support of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandre Ghvtisiashvili, Head of Friendship Group with Parliament of Kazakhstan Anton Obolashvili and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the Republic of Kazakhstan Levan Diasamidze attended the meeting.

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The PM and the Kazakhstani FM reviewed the successful cooperation between Georgia and Kazakhstan, positive dynamics in trade-economic cooperation and increasing investments from Kazakhstan in key sectors of the economy, such as logistics, energy, tourism and agriculture.The meeting also focused on the potential of the Middle Corridor and the importance of joint efforts between Georgia and Kazakhstan for the further development of the transit corridor and strengthening its role in regional connectivity.

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According to the Administration of the President of Georgia, the two leaders discussed the high level of strategic partnership between the two countries and the successful cooperation across various fields.“As President Kavelashvili noted during the meeting, maintaining and further developing the robust strategic partnership between Georgia and Azerbaijan across all its dimensions remains a priority for Georgia. During their private talks, the presidents placed particular emphasis on the fact that preserving stability and peace in the region is assuming ever greater importance, against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical developments and the fundamental reshaping of the international order.President Kavelashvili expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Azerbaijan’s continued support for Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also thanked President Aliyev for personally visiting the Georgian Embassy in Baku to offer his condolences following the passing of His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia. Upon the conclusion of the meeting, President Aliyev made an entry in the distinguished guests’ book,” reads the statement from the Administration of the President of Georgia.The meeting between Mikheil Kavelashvili and Ilham Aliyev took place at the Presidential Palace of Georgia.

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Based on a judge's ruling, those arrested include the directors of Aladashvili & Co LLC, its subcontractor companies - Guide, Bade and Alioni, and one employee.According to the investigation, in 2023-2026, 12 contracts were signed between LLC “Aladashvili & co” and the administrations of four districts of Tbilisi (Isani, Chugureti, Mtatsminda, Krtsanisi), with a total value of more than 26.5 million GEL. The aforementioned procurement envisaged free food services for socially vulnerable citizens.According to the State Anti-Corruption Commission, the defendants improperly served 14,451 beneficiaries and fraudulently appropriated 3,529,000 GEL belonging to the state by falsifying documents.“The company’s director, together with subcontractors, improperly fulfilled their obligations. By falsifying product acceptance and delivery acts, the defendants fraudulently appropriated a large amount of state funds,” the agency’s statement says.The investigation is underway under Article 180 of the Criminal Code of Georgia (fraud in large amounts), which provides for a sentence of 6 to 9 years in prison.The Anti-Corruption Agency states that it continues to work to prevent such crimes and calls on entrepreneurs and public officials to conduct their activities in good faith.

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