On 19 July, the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation and the Goethe-Zentrum Jerewan hosted the second discussion in the series, "(Re-)locating Identity – Armenia in the South Caucasus." The event focused on Sergei Paradjanov whose 100th anniversary is celebrated in 2024. Paradjanov is a worldwide acclaimed film director and artist with a deep transformative impact on the cultural identity of the region.

Panelists Vigen Galstyan, Yuri Mechitov, and Karen Avetisyan explored Paradjanov's work and persona, highlighting his role in shaping and renegotiating transcultural identities, which sparked an active discussion among the audience.

EU advances visa liberalization plans for Armenia

On 23 July the European Commission launched a dialogue on visa liberalization with Armenia with the ultimate goal to grant the country a visa-free regime with the EU. The dialogue will focus on reforms in areas such as border management, security, and fundamental rights. While it is seen as important milestone to deepen partnership between Armenia and the EU, the process is expected to take several years.

Armenia and Turkey hold normaliation talks
Turkey and Armenia resumed talks, aimed at normalising ties after a two-years hiatus. Turkish and Armenian special envoys held a fifth round of negotiations on the Alican-Magara border crossing on July 30, reaffirming earlier agreements and discussing reopening the Akhurik/Akyaka railroad border gate. No dates for the next round of talks are given.

Russian Border Guards leave Yerevan Airport

Russian border guards have completed their withdrawal from Yerevan's Zvartnots Airport, transitioning control to Armenian authorities, as part of an agreement between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The end of the 32 years of Russian FSB Border Guard presence at Zvartnots is significant for a number of reasons, in part, because it was suspected t facilitate the sanctions smuggling evasion taking place at the airport.

16th anniversary of  2008 War - Georgian Dream accuses fomer Government 

On August 8, Georgian officials marked the 16th anniversary of the 2008 war with a ceremony that prominently featured attacks on the current opposition/former government of United National Movement (UNM). Georgian Dream accused UNM of “treacherous crimes” and announced plans for a potential investigation into the UNM’s role in the war. This can be seen as a move to further polarize the country ahead of parliamentary elections in late October.

Georgian government begins registration process of so-called "foreign agents"

On August 1, Georgian Ministry of Justice adopted the rules related to the Foreign Agent Law which requires organizations receiving substantial foreign funding to register and undergo periodic monitoring. Until September 2, organizations must register mandatorily or face fines of 25,000 Lari (approximately 8,500 EUR) and forced registration. The law is likely to serve as an instrument of repression, echoing tactics employed by fully authoritarian regimes to silence dissent and maintain control. 

USA suspends USD 95 million in aid to Georgia - US representatives visit Georgia

Following an earlier announcement that the US had suspended $95 million in aid to Georgia, Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Congressman Mike Turner payed a visit to Tbilisi from August 9-11. Reaffirming US support for the country's democratic development and Euro-Atlantic integration, they emphasized that “the first step to get back on track” in terms of bilateral relations “must come from the Georgian government”. Both US lawmakers highlighted the importance of free and fair upcoming parliamentary elections, criticized the foreign agent law and warned that the U.S. “won’t sit back against democratic backsliding” of Georgia.

In a partial fulfilment of a recent agreement, Azerbaijan has reportedly withdrawn its military forces from sections of the newly demarcated border in Armenia's northeastern Tavush region. For over 30 years Azerbaijan had controlled about 900 hectares of land belonging to Armenia. The move follows Armenia's ceding of control over four villages during the border demarcation process earlier this year, which triggered protests in Yerevan.

Western international observers not welcome during parliamentary elections

For the upcoming parliamentary election, Azerbaijan has excluded Western election observation groups except OSCE/ODIHR, which has begun its mission with a core team of 11 experts and plans to deploy additional observers. In contrast, intergovernmental organizations such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Islamic Cooperation Organization, and the Turkic Council have been granted observer status, reflecting Azerbaijan's shift towards anti-Western alliances.