Since February 2025, we have been implementing the EU-funded project “REACT for Georgia” (Resilient, Engaged, Active Civil Society for Transformation). This two-year project, builds on our previous initiative, the "Civil Society STAR Initiative." It responds to recent political developments in Georgia, where the ruling party has halted EU accession talks until 2028 and introduced restrictive laws affecting civil society. The project will be implemented in 10 regions of Georgia, strengthening civic engagement and democratic governance. On February 26-27, we hosted a two-day inception workshop with regional partners to kick off the initiative. Since March 2025, our team has traveled across Georgia to introduce the project’s goals and planned activities to the wider public, ensuring that the EU remains a strong partner and that Georgia’s European future stays on the agenda.

Armenia and Azerbaijan finalize peace talks, signaling progress toward a lasting agreement.
Armenia has accepted Azerbaijan’s final proposals on the 17-article peace agreement, effectively concluding negotiations. The finalized text includes mutual renunciation of claims and a ban on third-country representatives along the border, potentially affecting the EU Monitoring Mission. However, Baku maintains that the treaty cannot be signed until Armenia removes constitutional references to territorial claims over Azerbaijan and dissolves the remnants of the Minsk Group. While the agreement marks significant progress, these additional conditions could still delay its formalization. Pashinyan had signaled his intention to expedite constitutional reforms ahead of the peace agreement’s finalization, a move that sparked significant backlash from the Armenian opposition.

EU-Armenia ties deepen: military cooperation expands as Yerevan eyes EU accession
Armenia’s parliament has passed a bill initiating the country’s EU accession process with a referendum expected as the next step. The bill was introduced by a civil initiative backed by pro-Western political parties and NGOs, reflecting a broader societal push for integration with the EU amid growing disillusionment with Russia’s role in the region. Meanwhile, military cooperation between Armenia and the EU is expanding. Yerevan has approved the appointment of a military attaché to the EU, while Brussels is weighing an additional non-lethal military aid package to Armenia under the European Peace Facility (EPF).

Pashinyan defends efforts to free Nagorno-Karabakh leaders as Foreign Minister issues first public rebuke of trial
In response to demonstrations demanding the release of Nagorno-Karabakh leaders held in Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that “all possible diplomatic efforts” are being made to secure their freedom. While acknowledging the protesters' sentiments, he emphasized the need for a strategic approach. Meanwhile, the Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, in a notable shift, publicly defended the imprisoned leaders and condemned the trials as violating human rights and due process. This marks a departure from Yerevan’s previous stance, as the government had until now refrained from criticizing the proceedings.

GD escalates attacks on European ambassadors - EU & Germany halt further programs in Georgia

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has intensified verbal attacks on European ambassadors, accusing EU ambassador Paweł Herczyński of “inciting violence” and branding the German ambassador a representative of Georgia’s “radical opposition.” These claims remain baseless, serving to further strain Georgia’s relations with its Western partners. The escalation follows the EU’s suspension of programs directly benefiting the Georgian government and Germany’s decision to halt scientific cooperation due to concerns over academic freedom and Georgia’s stalled EU accession process. Despite the measures, the EU confirmed that Erasmus+ exchanges will continue, emphasizing support for Georgian youth.  

Former Ivanishvili aid flees country, promises “full exposé” of Bidzina

Giorgi Bachiashvili, former CEO of the Georgian Co-Investment Fund and once a close associate of GD founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, has fled Georgia while under investigation, citing safety concerns. Later sentenced in absentia to 11 years in prison for allegedly misappropriating Ivanishvili’s cryptocurrency assets, he dismissed the charges as politically motivated. Bachiashvili vowed to expose Ivanishvili, claiming he had smuggled key evidence out of the country. Authorities have launched a new case against him for illegally crossing the border, while ruling party officials have dismissed his statements as a political stunt.

Severe snowstorm paralyzes Western Georgia causing widespread disruptions
A powerful snowstorm that struck western Georgia in February left villages isolated, homes destroyed, and thousands without electricity. At least three weather-related deaths were reported, while authorities faced criticism for their slow and inadequate response to the crisis. Georgian Dream officials criticized volunteer efforts rather than address mounting public frustration over the government’s delayed response.

Saakashvili sentenced to nine years in prison for embezzlement

The Tbilisi City Court has sentenced former President Mikheil Saakashvili to nine years in prison for allegedly misappropriating over ₾9 million ($3.24 million) in state funds, extending his incarceration until 2030. Saakashvili, who has already served three years of a previous sentence, denounced the ruling as an “oligarch’s verdict” orchestrated by Bidzina Ivanishvili. The prosecution cited luxury purchases, including designer jackets and cosmetic procedures, as evidence of state fund misuse. In 2022 the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for Georgian authorities to release Saakashvili and allow him to receive medial treatment abroad amid serious health concerns.

Former Nagorno-Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan has suspended his weeks-long hunger strike, which he described as an attempt to expose the injustice of his trial in Azerbaijan. He previously condemned the proceedings as a “political show,” citing secret hearings, restricted legal access, and lack of access to evidence. In a newly released audio message, Vardanyan reiterated that his protest was not just about his own case but aimed at highlighting the broader situation faced by Armenians. While on hunger-strike, he issued a call for a “real, stable, long-term peace” based on dignity, arguing that only such conditions could enable peaceful coexistence in the South Caucasus.