PM meets Armenian Defense Minister

During the meeting, the parties discussed the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries and the growing dynamics of bilateral relations.Particular attention was paid to bilateral, regional and international cooperation in the field of defense. They also discussed important joint projects and emphasized that the partnership between Georgia and Armenia in the defense sector is developing successfully within the framework of the bilateral cooperation plan.The discussion also touched upon the important role of the region in international processes. The Prime Minister once again reaffirmed Georgia’s readiness to contribute to strengthening stability and peace in the region.

“I don’t expect anything” – Kobakhidze on possible sanctions, Hungaria...

Kobakhidze emphasized Orbán’s “many years of support” for Georgia and noted that Budapest’s position in the European Union was important in terms of pursuing the country’s interests.“We hope that our people and country will continue to have lobbyists, strong lobbyists in the European Commission and the European Union. Hungary was not the only one supporting us, others were supporting us as well,” the prime minister told reporters.When asked about possible sanctions from the European Union, which have been actively discussed in recent times against the backdrop of tense relations with Brussels, Kobakhidze took a sharp stance.“You expect whatever you want, I expect nothing,” the head of government said in response to the question of whether he expects personal or state restrictions from his partners.Irakli Kobakhidze’s statements come at a time when EU ambassadors in Brussels have expressed preliminary support for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. At the same time, after the elections in Hungary, where Viktor Orban was defeated, Georgia is facing a transformation in the support of one of its main allies in the region. According to the Prime Minister, Tbilisi is ready to continue working to attract new supporters in the European Commission and the European Council.

"GD" expands demand to ban opposition parties in Georgia

Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said the ruling party would withdraw its old lawsuit and instead submit an expanded list that includes the Federalists party. The previous targets of the ban were the United National Movement, the Coalition for Change, and Lelo.Papuashvili said the lawsuit was amended following a declaration signed by opposition groups on March 2, 2026. According to him, this union aims to “not recognize constitutional institutions and undermine democratic processes.”“We are appealing to the Constitutional Court with a new, amended lawsuit, in which the number of parties has increased,” Papuashvili said. He called the opposition alliance a continuation of the “criminal regime” and noted that the government is monitoring both the parties’ “anti-constitutional goals” and their influence on political processes.Political temperatures in Georgia have been particularly high since the opposition and part of the West did not recognize the results of the October 2024 parliamentary elections as legitimate. The Georgian Dream, which has been in power since 2012, accuses its opponents of pursuing the interests of the “global war party” and attempting to destabilize the country.Critics and international human rights organizations believe that the possible ban on opposition parties would push the country toward one-party rule and ultimately distance it from its goal of integration into the European Union.If the Constitutional Court upholds the lawsuit, the country's leading opposition forces would be stripped of their electoral status, an unprecedented step in Georgia's modern history.

National Interest: A Unified Black Sea-Caspian Region and a New Strate...

The authors conclude that Washington should no longer consider this area as a peripheral part, since its stability is directly related to Europe’s energy security.The Caucasus - Eurasia Economic BridgeThe study emphasizes that the war in Ukraine has accelerated the birth of a new Eurasian order. In this context, the South Caucasus is a key trade and transit corridor connecting Central Asia to European markets.However, analysts say this function is at risk as long as the North Caucasus remains under Russian dominance. The North Caucasus has been described as a “structural lock” that acts as a “sword of Damocles” on southern transit routes.Two key scenariosThe authors consider two main scenarios: Maintaining Russian control: Russia maintains its power projection and imposes a permanent “risk surcharge” on regional ties, which discourages investment and complicates economic planning. Weakening Russian influence: Weakening Moscow’s control over the North Caucasus frees the region from the blockade. This creates the opportunity for the Black Sea-Caspian region to become a fully integrated system, free from external constraints. The article concludes: “In this order, the protection of key points in the Black Sea-Caspian region becomes a strategic imperative for the West.” The authors urge politicians to start thinking about the region as a unified system now, so as not to miss the prospect of a Eurasia free from Russian influence.

Self-governing cities to be granted the right to establish LEPLs - new...

Under the current “Local Self-Government Code”, self-governing cities other than Tbilisi do not have the right to establish LEPLs and carry out activities such as expedited issuance of construction permits, regulation of outdoor advertising or other paid municipal services. According to the new draft, the city council will establish LEPLs upon the recommendation of the mayor, and the mayor will appoint and dismiss their head.According to the submitted document, municipal LEPLs may be established for the purpose of developing urban development concepts, preparing general plans, privatizing property, organizing public transport and regulating parking rules. In addition, the self-governing city council will be authorized, based on the mayor's proposal, to determine the fees required for the provision of these services.The initiators of the draft law are members of the parliamentary majority, including Irakli Kadagishvili, Nino Tsilosani and Dimitri Samkharadze. The enactment of the changes will allow self-governing cities to manage local resources more flexibly and accelerate the implementation of infrastructure or service projects.