From August 28–31, 2025, we hosted a simulation seminar in Yerevan, Armenia, together with our partner, the Civic Institute for International Education: "Security for Europe – European Security and Defense Policy." Over four days, 25 emerging leaders and future decision-makers from Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine joined us to dive into the realities of EU security policy.

• First-hand insights into EU institutions and decision-making processes
• Stronger negotiation and analytical skills
• Valuable contacts with peers from across the region
• Practical experience in policymaking and building compromises

At a time of global uncertainty, we believe that fostering a deeper understanding of European security policy is more crucial than ever—and we are proud to contribute to this effort.

Pashinyan apologizes for insulting church and opposition
Following weeks of controversy over his rhetoric, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has acknowledged overstepping in his attacks on both the Armenian Apostolic Church and opposition lawmakers. In May, he had insulted MPs in parliament and accused a senior clergyman of gross misconduct, drawing widespread criticism. While expressing regret, Pashinyan stressed his comments were made in political debate and reaffirmed his push for Catholicos Garegin II’s resignation, despite strong backlash. He insisted that removing Garegin remains vital for Armenia’s political and spiritual security, signaling ongoing confrontation even as he seeks to soften the fallout from his words.

Large protests in Armenia – Karabakh & Russian Military Base

Armenia has seen a surge of protests over Nagorno-Karabakh and Russian military presence. The opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation rallied thousands in Yerevan, demanding the right of displaced Karabakh Armenians to return home and rejecting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s acceptance of U.S.-brokered peace accords with Azerbaijan. In Gyumri, rival demonstrations were held over Russia’s 102nd military base: pro-Western groups denounced it as a threat to sovereignty, while pro-Russian parties defended it as vital for security. Amid this turmoil, Pashinyan defended his stance that the Karabakh issue is closed, even urging citizens who disagree to stage a revolution — a challenge that underscored both his defiance and the deep divisions shaping Armenia’s future.

Armenia and Pakistan establish Diplomatic Ties

A landmark signing at the SCO summit in Tianjin ended decades of estrangement between Yerevan and Islamabad, once divided by Pakistan’s support for Azerbaijan. Foreign ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Ishaq Dar agreed to exchange representatives and explore cooperation in regional platforms. Armenia dismissed speculation of “recognition deals,” stressing ties were established under the UN Charter. The breakthrough follows the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace accord and comes as Yerevan balances its SCO ambitions with its steadily deepening partnership with India.

Georgian Dream accuses NGOs of “Sabotage” – freezes Bank Accounts

A sweeping crackdown on civil society has intensified in Georgia, with prosecutors freezing the accounts of seven major NGOs under a “sabotage” probe. The investigators claim that groups like ISFED, the Social Justice Center, and Sapari bought protective gear and pepper spray for demonstrators, while NGO leaders counter that the items were for staff safety and legal aid — not protest organization. International reaction was swift: nine major human rights groups denounced an “all-out assault” on dissent, and the EU called the freezes political persecution that undermines Georgia’s EU candidacy. For activists, the freezes mark an attempt to paralyze civil society ahead of key political milestones — but they vowed to continue their work despite the financial blockade.

So-Called “Tsulukiani Comission” publishes Findings – Tries to rewrite History

Georgian Dream has released a 470-page report from the controversial “Tsulukiani Commission,” portraying the 2003 Rose Revolution as a foreign-backed coup and placing responsibility for systemic abuses, corruption, and the 2008 war squarely on the UNM government. The document also brands today’s opposition parties and NGOs as UNM “satellites,” with ruling party leaders suggesting they may seek a Constitutional Court ban. Parliament swiftly endorsed the findings, but opposition figures denounced the report as politically motivated: Giorgi Gakharia’s party called it illegitimate, while UNM’s Tina Bokuchava accused the government of echoing Kremlin narratives. The commission’s conclusions mark a further escalation in Georgia’s polarized political climate, with potential implications for the country’s opposition landscape.

ODHIR rejects Last Minute Invitation to observe Local Elections

Georgia’s October 4 local elections will go ahead without full international monitoring after the OSCE/ODIHR declined a last-minute invitation from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, saying meaningful observation requires months of preparation. The move follows Georgian Dream’s months-long refusal to invite observers, despite mounting criticism over legal changes and pressure on civil society. Domestic watchdog ISFED also announced it will not deploy its standard mission, citing unmet conditions for a free and fair vote. With major opposition parties split between boycott and participation, and no comprehensive monitoring in place, doubts over the integrity of the elections are set to deepen.

Putin “hopes” to resolve problems with Baku – Aliyev accuses Russia of Disinformation campaign

Tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia remain high despite gestures of conciliation. Baku’s parliament accused Moscow of running a disinformation campaign after Ilham Aliyev’s remarks on Nakhchivan were distorted in Russian media, while brief internet outages in Azerbaijan sparked suspicions of Russian cyberattacks. Putin, for his part, voiced “hope” that relations could be restored, linking progress to the release of 13 Russian citizens detained in Baku. Yet disputes over the downing of an AZAL plane and the deaths of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg continue to block trust, with Baku demanding full accountability and compensation — claims Moscow rejects.

EU extends sanctions to Azerbaijani refinery

Brussels has confirmed that its latest sanctions on Russian oil also cover Azerbaijan’s state-owned STAR refinery in Turkey, effectively banning EU imports of its products if made with Russian crude. The move, part of the EU’s 18th sanctions package, aims to close loopholes that allowed Moscow to channel oil through third countries. STAR, co-owned by SOCAR, has faced repeated accusations of “rebranding” Russian crude despite Baku’s denials. Observers say the decision could sharply curtail Azerbaijan’s role in supplying Russian oil to Europe and underscores the EU’s determination to cut off Kremlin revenues.

Sexual assault cases shake Azerbaijan – Judges lowers sentence because of “homosexuality”

Shocking cases of child sexual assault in Azerbaijan have drawn public outrage and deep concern over how authorities are handling them. In Gakh, around 30 men were detained following the rape of a 13-year-old girl, while in Nakhchivan three soldiers were convicted of abusing a 15-year-old boy. Two received prison terms of less than a year, and a third walked free, with one verdict citing the perpetrator’s supposed “homosexuality” as a mitigating factor. Rights advocates condemned both the light sentences and the discriminatory language, warning that such rulings deepen impunity and highlight urgent gaps in child protection and judicial standards.

Interested in what we’re doing in the South Caucasus but don’t speak Georgian or Armenian? We’ve got you covered. With the launch of our new international Instagram channel @kas_southcaucasus, you can now follow our work across Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan more closely than ever.
We’ll be sharing regular updates on our activities, news from the region, fascinating facts about the South Caucasus, and insights into our projects. You can also accompany our director on his journey to learn Georgian and Armenian.

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