Georgia
Georgian government accuses USAID of funding training for protests
Secret service claims the trainers gave lessons on violent protests, picket lines, traffic disruptions, and government building occupations.
EU ministers discuss multi-speed Europe to prepare for enlargement
To enable enlargement of the bloc from the current 27 members, changes to decision-making processes, agricultural policies and regional aid budgets are being considered.
Georgia’s National Bank president confirms suspension of IMF programme
IMF takes action after a former official close to oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili was shielded from US sanctions.
EBRD projects slowdown in Central Europe, robust growth in Eurasia
High gas prices, China slowdown and shifts in industrial production contribute to slower growth in Central Europe.
Top Georgian central bank officials resign over unfreezing of assets of sanctioned former prosecutor
TBC and Bank of Georgia reaffirm their commitment to adhere to international sanctions imposed by the EU, the UK, and the U.S., regardless of the National Bank of Georgia's decision.
US singles out Turkey with latest war sanctions package
Ankara gets a poke in the eye as Washington launches new attempt at hobbling Putin’s war machine by targeting technology shipments and financial channels.
European Commission president calls to ‘complete' the EU through enlargement
Ursula von der Leyen says “history is calling” to expand the EU, but reforms are needed.
Georgia's ruling party initiates impeachment proceedings against president over EU visits
Zourabichvili has repeatedly accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of pro-Russian tendencies and insufficient commitment to Georgia's aspirations to join the European Union and the Nato defence alliance.
Georgian’s president denied government permission to make international visits
President Salome Zurabichvili's visits to Germany, Ukraine, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium, Denmark, and the UAE, among others, have been revoked by the government.
European Council president says Western Balkans and EU should prepare for enlargement by 2030
Charles Michel says a clear goal must be set to enlarge the EU by the end of this decade.
Turkmenistan signals major change in energy-export stance
Ashgabat’s shifting position opens the way for expansion of natural gas supplies to Europe.
Georgia’s 6% jump in HIV/AIDS cases blamed on migrant influx
A 6% increase in reported HIV/AIDS cases in Georgia during the first half of 2023 y/y is believed to be due to the significant influx of migrants fleeing both Russia and the war in Ukraine, health authorities in Tbilisi have warned.
MACRO ADVISORY: Ruble’s fall creates currency risk in Central Asia and the Caucasus
The Russian ruble has fallen by 28.5% in value vs. the US dollar since the start of this year but it has yet to have a big impact on the currencies of the other members of the CIS. But it could do so soon.
‘Strategic partnership’ between Georgia and China puzzles critics
Despite broad support for seeking closer economic ties with Beijing, pro-Western observers in Georgia are wary of the relationship getting too close.
VISEGRAD BLOG: Ukraine awaits 'clear signal' of future Nato membership at Vilnius Summit
Ukraine has proved in real time under real conditions that it is militarily ready for membership.
Tbilisi cancels gay pride march after right-wing protesters threaten violence
The main event of Tbilisi Pride, which was scheduled for July 9, has been cancelled yet again after a large crowd of anti-LGBT protesters descending upon the venue and threatened violence.