Game over? Not yet.

After the Georgian president, Salome Zourabishvili, had her veto overturned, and the controversial Foreign Agent Law was signed by the Speaker of the Parliament at the beginning of June, there was disappointment and frustration among the protesters who had spent weeks trying to prevent what now seems inevitable. The law will take effect 60 days after being signed, meaning it will be in force at the beginning of August. NGOs (and possibly KAS) will then have one month to register as foreign agents, i.e., until the beginning of September. If they refuse, they will be fined. However, even if they decide to register, the submitted declaration might be considered incorrect, resulting in fines regardless. No matter how you look at it, it is difficult to imagine a more highhanded law.

Does this now mean that Georgia is fully joining the “authoritarian international,” represented in the South Caucasus by Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran? Well. Georgian D-day is October 26, when people are going to vote for a new parliament. The choice seems crystal clear: on one side, a corrupt, increasingly authoritarian, and arbitrary incumbent government; on the other side, a European future for the country. Would Georgians really hesitate?

Since 2020, KAS, together with the Dutch Eduardo Frei Foundation and the Armenian Young Women’s Association, has been cooperating on a project in Armenia called "It’s Time to Act: Women’s Participation in Social and Political Life". Over almost four years we developed a handbook and organized workshops across all regions of Armenia. The handbook served as a practical guidance for women seeking involvement in Armenia's political and social spheres, and the workshops facilitated skill development for over 300 women from diverse backgrounds.

On May 23, the closing conference of the project in Yerevan brought together stakeholders from politics, academia and civil society as well as numerous workshop participants, featuring also an exhibition of photos on the theme of women's participation, created by the 4Plus NGO.

Anti-Government Protests against Demarcation Process continue

Large rallies against the Armenian government, which began in reaction to the demarcation negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, continue to be held in Yerevan, with protesters also blocking major roads. The “Tavush for the Homeland” movement, led by the Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, now also calls for the resignation of the entire government. However, a petition from the opposition to convene an extraordinary session of parliament was struck down. Observers believe the protests will eventually fade away due to the absence of a clear strategy. Nonetheless, the increase in instances of protesters being injured by police actions has the potential to shift the focus of the protests towards state violence.

Heaviest Floods in Decades - Northern Armenia deals with "devastating" effects
In late May, the Lori and Tavush regions saw about half of their average monthly rainfall in just two days, according to the Ministry of Environment. The extreme weather has claimed at least four lives and led to the evacuation of hundreds of people. Several roads and critical infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed. Various international organizations and countries have pledged to support reconstruction efforts.

Indian-Iranian Chabahar Port Deal Could Provide Armenia with Gateway to the Sea

Under the framework of the North-South Transport Corridor (NSTC), Armenia has been permitted access to operate in the Iranian port of Chabahar on the Gulf of Oman to facilitate trade with India. Speaking to the Armenian press, the Indian Ambassador stated that if Armenia joins the development of Iran’s Chabahar Port, it could "overcome its lack of access to the sea." Cooperation in such projects also provides Armenia and Iran with a way to balance the Turkish-Azerbaijani axis in the region.

Speaker of Parliament signs "Foreign Agents Law" - Protests Continue

Despite ongoing mass protests, the "Georgian Dream" government on 28 May rejected the President's veto against the "Foreign Agents Law," which now also allows imposing fines on individuals, not just legal entities, for failing to disclose data. Shalva Papuashvili, the speaker of the parliament, signed the law on 03 June. Protests have persisted in Tbilisi and other cities since the law's passing. Meanwhile, incidents of police brutality and other physical attacks on activists, civil society representatives, and opposition members have continued, often resulting in excessive harm.

USA implements individual sanctions against members of Georigan Government

The United States has implemented individual sanctions against members of the Georgian government following the adoption of the Foreign Agents Law. On June 6, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced visa bans on members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, MPs, law enforcement officials, private citizens, and their immediate families, without disclosing names. Additionally, a bipartisan bill, the 'Georgian People's Act (GPA),' has been introduced in the US Senate, proposing, among other measures, a reassessment of bilateral relations.

Controversial Chinese Consortium wins contract to build Anaklia Deep Sea Port

A consortium led by a subsidiary of the China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) has been awarded the contract to build the Anaklia Deep Sea Port, one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in Georgia. This concludes a contentious political battle over the port's construction, following the cancellation of a previous contract with a US-led consortium in 2020. Some, including the Georgian President, see the award to a Chinese company as another significant setback for Georgia's relationship with Western partners. Nonetheless, the successful construction of the port would significantly enhance Georgia's connectivity.

United National Movement (UNM) changes leadership

The largest Georgian opposition party is changing its leadership. On July 8, current UNM-chariman, Levan Khabeishvili, annouced his resignation citing "strong recommendations" by his doctors related to his severe beating by police during the April 30-May 1 protests against the Foreign Agents Law. Tina Bokuchava, current UNM Parliamentary faction leader, is set to replace him as chairwoman.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has stated that the Armenian constitution makes a peace treaty between both countries "impossible," citing alleged territorial claims on Azerbaijani and Turkish territory in it. His remarks were strongly rebutted by the Armenian government, which emphasized that constitutional amendments were not a part of the ongoing peace negotiations.

Azerbaijan to "resettle" Stepanakert in September
The Azerbaijani government has announced new timelines for the "resettlement" of currently deserted Stepanakert, the former capital of Nagorno-Karabakh. The process is supposed to begin in September. Reports have emerged on social media that students and teachers from Azerbaijani universities were already being told they would be transferred to Nagorno-Karabakh, possibly involuntarily. Simultaneously, Russia has announced plans to open a consulate general in Stepanakert.

France accuses Azerbaijan of supporting riots and separatism in New Caledonia

During an interview with France2, the French interior minister, Gérald Darmanin, claimed Azerbaijani support for Caledonian separatists. In Azerbaijan the so-called "Baku Initiative Group", an organization with strong ties to the government, has increasingly been active in organizing "resistance against (alleged) French colonialism". International observers and experts identified France's traditional support for Armenia as the main reason for Azerbaijan's activities in promoting separatism in French oversea territories.