On October 12, KAS together with the Civil Contract party brought together policy makers and experts from different European countries to discuss the Crossroads of Peace initiative of the Armenian government. Reflecting on how to unite democracy and security we aimed at fostering the dialogue about Armenia being a bridge for cooperation and peace in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Premier Minister Nikol Pashinyan opened the conference and was followed by Elmar Brok, Member of the European Parliament from 1980 to 2019 and for two decades the chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee.

Russian guards to leave Armenian-Iranian border checkpoint
Armenia has reached an agreement with Russia for the withdrawal of Russian border guards from its only crossing with Iran. By January 1, 2025, Armenian forces will assume sole responsibility for this checkpoint. The agreement also includes Armenian border guards joining Russian troops in patrolling along the border with Turkey. The move highlights Armenia's growing sovereignty since the Iranian- and Turkish-Armenian borders were so far secured by Russian forces only.

Civil society organizations start signature campaign for EU-referendum
On September 16, the "Democratic Forces Platform" started collecting signatures across Armenia to push for a referendum on EU membership. In the first 15 days the initiative gathered over 27,000 signatures. It aims to collect the required 50,000 signatures within a month. The group stresses that the referendum would only mark the beginning of the EU accession process.

Constitutional Court greenlights Armenian-Azerbaijani border demarcation deal

The Armenian Constitutional Court has ruled that the agreement governing the joint activities of Armenian and Azerbaijani border delimitation commissions aligns with the constitution, allowing it to proceed to the National Assembly for ratification. This agreement, outlines principles for delimiting the border but leaves some issues unresolved, such as which maps will be used and the sequence of delimitation. Opposition voices argue that the negotiations could lead to further territorial concessions to Azerbaijan, sparking concern about national security.

EP & Bundestag adopt resolutions concerning Georgia’s European Future

The European Parliament and German Bundestag have expressed serious concerns about the erosion of democracy and political pluralism in Georgia, especially in light of upcoming parliamentary elections on October 26. Both bodies have called for the repeal of anti-democratic legislation, linking any future EU prospects to these reforms while demanding sanctions against influential political figures undermining Georgia's European aspirations. As Georgia navigates its EU candidate status amid increasing authoritarianism, the urgency for free and fair elections is emphasized as crucial for the country’s democratic trajectory and relationship with the EU.

Government signs so-called “Anti-LGBT Propaganda” law – Trans activist murdered
The recent passage of an anti-LGBT law in Georgia has been met with widespread outrage, particularly following the brutal murder of transgender media personality Kesaria Abramidze, which many attribute to the ruling party's transphobic rhetoric. President Salome Zourabichvili refused to sign the bill; however she did not veto it, allowing Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili to enact the legislation that imposes severe restrictions on LGBTQ rights. Activists and human rights organizations have condemned the law and the government's narrative, linking them directly to rising violence against LGBTQ individuals, exemplified by Abramidze's murder, which occurred shortly after the law's approval.

Georgian President announces election monitoring platform – GD opens new impeachment procedures

The ruling Georgian Dream party has initiated a second impeachment against President Salome Zourabishvili, citing her unauthorized foreign visits as a violation of the constitution, which requires government consent for such trips. In turn, President Zourabishvili urged citizens to mobilize for the elections and announced the creation of an election monitoring platform at the President’s Orbeliani Palace to ensure transparency and accountability during the voting process.

A coalition of international human rights organizations urged the new Council of Europe Secretary General, Alain Berset, to adopt a firmer stance on Azerbaijan’s political repression. The letter highlights the shrinking space for independent media and civil society, with arrests of media leaders and increased pressure on activists, youth, and researchers. The organizations warned Berset not to offer political support to Azerbaijan during an upcoming visit, citing the country’s ban on several PACE members who voted to suspend its delegation.

Aliyev opens Karabakh University

On September 20, President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the Karabakh University in Khankendi (Stepanakert), which has commenced its first academic year. At the meeting with the students, Aliyev spoke about the past of the conflict with Armenia and mediation efforts, criticizing “certain people among us” for having contacts with Armenians whom he labelled as the “bloodthirsty enemy”.