At KAS Armenia, we recently brought together policymakers, experts, and journalists for a discussion on the upcoming introduction of universal income declaration for individuals. In partnership with the State Revenue Committee and the Economic Journalists’ Club, the event provided an open forum to explore the reform’s practical implications and its role in promoting transparency and good governance.

Armenia-Turkey border will open to third countries in January
Former Turkish MP Garo Paylan announced that the Armenia–Turkey border is expected to open to citizens of third countries early next year, marking a major step in the long-stalled normalization process. Paylan emphasized Ankara’s current political will to move forward. He credited recent regional agreements and Western encouragement as key to sustaining momentum. Meanwhile, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that Yerevan is ready to enable transit of goods between Turkey and Azerbaijan through Armenian territory.

Armenia receives Visa Liberalization Plan

Armenia has been handed a detailed EU roadmap outlining the reforms required for visa-free travel to the Schengen area, marking a new phase in Yerevan’s integration with Europe. The plan, delivered by senior EU official Johannes Luchner to Interior Minister Arpine Sargsyan, sets benchmarks in border management, document security, and rule of law. Luchner emphasized that progress will depend on the pace and quality of Armenia’s reforms. Among key priorities are the rollout of biometric passports and stronger anti-corruption measures.

Opposition Mayors facing jail time

A series of high-profile arrests and court rulings involving opposition mayors has stirred political debate in Armenia. Masis mayor Davit Hambardzumian was sentenced to more than six years in prison for allegedly assaulting participants during the 2018 protests that brought Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to power — charges he denies and his Republican Party calls politically motivated. Additionally, in Gyumri, Communist Party–backed mayor Vartan Ghukasian was detained on bribery charges. While authorities frame the cases as part of anti-corruption and rule-of-law efforts, opposition figures view them as signs of growing pressure on local elected opponents.

EU enlargement report - Georgia a "candidate in name only"

Georgia’s strained ties with Brussels have deepened after the European Commission’s latest enlargement report accused the ruling Georgian Dream government of “serious democratic backsliding” and described the country as a “candidate in name only.” EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski said Georgia is now farther from membership than a year ago, while officials in Brussels confirmed Georgian Dream was excluded from the upcoming Enlargement Forum. In response, Speaker Shalva Papuashvili launched a combative attack on the EU, accusing it of bias and interference underscoring the government’s growing estrangement from Europe.

GD opens lawsuit to ban opposition - new investigations against leaders

Major opposition parties in Georgia are facing simultaneous legal and criminal pressure as the government escalates its campaign against rivals. The Prosecutor’s Office has filed sweeping charges against eight leading opposition figures, accusing them of “sabotage” and “aiding foreign powers.” At the same time, the ruling Georgian Dream has asked the Constitutional Court to outlaw the three out of four main opposition blocks, citing alleged threats to state sovereignty. Opposition leaders have called the cases a politically motivated attempt to dismantle pluralism,

Controversies around Arab Investment in Eagle Hills Construction

The Georgian government’s partnership with UAE-based developer Eagle Hills has sparked sharp debate over transparency and national interests. While officials hail the $6.5 billion project as the largest foreign investment in Georgia’s history, opposition parties have condemned the decision to classify the contract as a “commercial secret,” arguing that millions of square meters of public land are being transferred without oversight. GD insist the deal safeguards state interests and brings no financial risk to the government, with Georgia holding a 33 percent stake. Critics, however, accuse the ruling party of concealing key details and warn that the opaque arrangement mirrors controversial Eagle Hills ventures elsewhere.

Coup and treason allegations against former 'gray cardinal'

Azerbaijan’s former presidential aide Ramiz Mehdiyev, long known as the country’s “gray cardinal,” has been charged with high treason, plotting to seize state power, and money laundering. Pro-government media allege that the 87-year-old sought Russian backing for a coup and even planned to assassinate President Ilham Aliyev, before Moscow reportedly alerted Baku to the plot. The claims — including an alleged “coup letter” — remain unverified and have been met with skepticism from independent observers. Mehdiyev, who led the Presidential Administration for nearly 25 years before his 2019 dismissal, is under house arrest as authorities expand investigations into his associates.

Thaw in Russian-Azerbaijan relations - Energy talks

Signs of renewed warmth between Moscow and Baku have emerged as energy cooperation resumes after months of strained ties. In late October, Gazprom chief Aleksei Miller and SOCAR president Rovshan Najaf met in Saint Petersburg to discuss expanding joint projects, including potential gas transit routes through Azerbaijan to Iran. The talks suggest both sides are seeking to rebuild practical ties. Although Azerbaijan’s STAR refinery in Turkey has reportedly reduced purchases of Russian oil to avoid secondary sanctions, ongoing dialogue between SOCAR and Gazprom indicates a cautious but notable thaw in relations.

Azerbaijan ends trade restrictions with Armenia

Trade has resumed between Armenia and Azerbaijan for the first time in more than thirty years, following Baku’s decision to lift all restrictions on the exchange and transit of goods. President Ilham Aliyev described the move as proof that peace with Armenia is “not only on paper but in practice.” The change has already allowed shipments of Russian and Kazakh wheat to pass through Azerbaijani territory to Armenia. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hailed the decision as a milestone for regional connectivity underscoring growing momentum toward normalised relations.