AGP Executive Report

Tbilisi City Planning: A special interagency commission has been set up to oversee the “Government City” infrastructure project, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze leading and multiple ministries plus Tbilisi officials involved. Pro-European Street Life: Supporters of Euro-integration kept up daily protests in Tbilisi and other cities for a 628th day, demanding political prisoners’ release, repeal of “repressive laws,” and free elections. Culture & Memory: Prime Minister Kobakhidze again framed King Erekle II’s Treaty of Georgievsk as a survival move that preserved Georgia’s Christian and “European” cultural direction. Regional Security Context: A South Caucasus analysis argues the region is in de facto peace but still fragile, with unfinished legal normalization and corridor rivalries. Sports & Identity: Georgia-linked Batumi appears in international sports coverage, including chess and other honors, while the week also highlights how global events keep spotlighting the country.

Pro-European Protest Pulse: In Tbilisi and beyond, supporters marked the 628th day of daily demonstrations, calling for free elections, release of political prisoners, and a return to a Euro-Atlantic path. Culture as Resistance: Ukraine’s Bouquet Kyiv Stage wrapped up its ninth wartime edition with “Armed with Beauty,” bringing 50+ events to Kyiv’s Saint Sophia grounds and spotlighting artists and ideas meant to outlast the conflict. Church Diplomacy: In Tbilisi, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon met Patriarch Shio III to discuss Georgian–Constantinople Church ties and the upcoming visit to Constantinople. Education & Language: Georgia and Azerbaijan launched a training program for Azerbaijani-language primary teachers in Georgia, with registration open Aug. 17–24. Local Lifestyle Spotlight: Vera was named “the Brooklyn of Tbilisi,” with the guide pointing to independent culture, design work, and creative energy in the neighborhood. Energy Supply Tension: Repsol says it will stop selling petrol to Solidus after the company supplied fuel to Abkhazia, citing limits on where the buyer sells the products.

Protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators marked the 627th straight day of rallies at the Parliament, calling for Eurointegration, new elections, and the release of political prisoners. EU Watch: A new EU report flags “significant backsliding” in Georgia, citing curbs on civil society, media and opposition, and says engagement with Tbilisi has been reduced. Occupied Territories & Culture: A Kutaisi technology hub hosted an educational camp for displaced participants from Abkhazia, mixing tech visits with civic activities. Abkhazia Language Debate: A video discussion from Abkhazia focuses on preserving the Abkhaz language and the push for a more inclusive civic nation. Sports (Georgia in focus): Georgia’s Hunter Bell won European 1500m gold in Birmingham, adding to a standout 2026. Local Life: A fatal minibus crash at Georgia’s Gomis Mta resort led to the arrest of the driver over licensing and safety violations. Media & Culture: The opposition TV channel TV Pirveli was fined by Georgia’s communications regulator for bias and lack of objectivity.

Protest Culture in Tbilisi: On the 627th straight day of demonstrations, activists gathered near Parliament and the City Hall, calling for new elections, Eurointegration, and the release of political prisoners; the mood was calm despite the long-running pressure, with flags of Georgia and the EU visible. Human Rights & Media: The EU’s latest democracy and rights report flags “significant backsliding” in Georgia, citing curbs on civil society and independent media, pressure on journalists, and concerns over fair trials. Occupied Territories Watch: Fuel deliveries from Georgian-controlled territory to Abkhazia have sparked political backlash after reports that private businesses supplied petrol during a shortage tied to disruptions in Russian deliveries. Sports Spotlight: Georgia’s athletes posted strong results at the European Para Judo Championships in Heidelberg, topping the medal table ahead of Sunday’s team competition. Local Community Life: East Central Georgia’s Aug. 16–22 calendar highlights family and kids activities, from reading challenges to coloring and storytime sessions.

Tbilisi Protests: On the 626th day of daily pro-European rallies, demonstrators marched through rain toward Parliament and the City Hall, calling for Eurointegration, the release of political prisoners, and free elections. Media Freedom: Georgia’s communications regulator fined opposition TV Pirveli again for bias and lack of objectivity in broadcasts, adding to a wider crackdown on critical outlets. Tourism & Safety: A minibus crash at Gomis Mta killed four Belarusian tourists and injured 16; the driver was arrested after investigators found he lacked the proper license and failed to ensure safe operation. Sports & Pride: Georgia topped the medal table at the IBSA Para Judo European Championships in Heidelberg with multiple golds and medals, ahead of team competition. Culture & Learning: The Kyiv Theological Academy published the first part of a textbook on the history of local Orthodox churches, including sections on Georgian Church development. International Spotlight: Locarno Film Festival’s top prize, the Pardo d’Oro, went to Florin Șerban’s “You Don’t Belong Here.”

Pro-European Protest in Tbilisi: On the 626th day of daily rallies, demonstrators marched from Avlabari toward parliament, demanding Eurointegration, the release of political prisoners, and free elections despite heavy rain and harsh past dispersals. Tourism & Russia Row: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused a “deep state” of trying to weaken Georgia’s economy by discouraging Russian tourists and pushing Georgia toward confrontation with Russia. Human Rights & Circassian Activism: Circassian activists urged Russia’s Attorney General to stop the persecution of journalist and Circassian-language teacher Larisa Tupcokova, alleging falsification in her case. Culture & Faith Education: Kyiv Theological Academy published the first part of a textbook on the history of local Orthodox churches, including essays on Georgian church development. Arts & Performance: Nino Sukhishvili, head of the Georgian National Ballet “Sukhishvili,” issued an appeal amid accusations and reiterated she won’t go to Russia on behalf of the state ensemble. Heritage & City Life: Demolition has begun on Tbilisi’s Rike Park “pipes,” a once-controversial Saakashvili-era music and exhibition project, with completion planned for December 2026.

Pro-European Protest Culture: Tbilisi rallies kept going for a 625th day, with supporters gathering at Parliament and City Hall despite heavy rain, calling for political prisoners’ release, repeal of repressive laws, and free elections. Memory & Identity: On the 34th anniversary of the Abkhazia war’s start, IDPs and veterans marked the day at Tbilisi memorials, while a new generation of displaced Georgians reflects on what “return” really means. Digital Media & Politics: Myth Detector says 230 AI-generated Facebook accounts backed by Georgian Dream are amplifying pro-Kobakhidze talking points, raising fresh questions about online influence. Arts & Culture: Nino Sukhishvili, head of the Georgian National Ballet, issued an appeal amid accusations, stressing the ensemble won’t escalate tensions and reiterating her stance on Russia. Heritage & Cityscape: Demolition of Tbilisi’s Rike Park “pipes” begins, with the project framed as erasing a modern-era architectural symbol. Sports & Training: FIVB ran volleyball and beach volleyball coaches courses in Tbilisi and abroad, including Georgia-based participation. Human Stories: A Georgian citizen convicted for illegal border crossing in South Ossetia was released and handed over to Georgia.

Rike Park Demolition: Tbilisi has started tearing down the controversial “Rike’s pipes” music-and-exhibition structure, a Saakashvili-era modernization symbol left unfinished for years, with completion planned for December 2026. Abkhazia Memory & Displacement: A new generation of IDPs reflects on inherited fears and hopes tied to Abkhazia, as 34 years since the war’s start bring fresh attention to what “return” really means. Fuel Supply Debate: A Georgian company says it legally shipped about 300 tonnes of petrol to Abkhazia for local stations, after earlier reports sparked speculation about military use. Digital Politics Scrutiny: Myth Detector reports 230 AI-made fake Facebook accounts boosting Georgian Dream talking points, tied to “Russophobia” messaging. Tourism Safety: Belarusian tourists injured in a Gomi Mountain minibus crash remain under care in Batumi, with conditions described as stable. Culture & Ballet: Nino Sukhishvili issues an appeal amid accusations, saying the ensemble won’t apologize or escalate tensions. Sports & Youth: Georgia is among countries sending players to Azerbaijan’s first BWF Junior International Series event in Baku.

AI & Politics: Myth Detector says 230 AI-generated Facebook accounts backed by Georgian Dream amplified narratives tied to Irakli Kobakhidze, with matching profile patterns and coordinated “likes.” Protests in Tbilisi: On the 624th day of daily pro-European actions, demonstrators split between Freedom Square and the Parliament area, calling for political prisoners’ release, repeal of “repressive” laws, and a Euro-Atlantic course. War Memory in Abkhazia: Interpressnews marks the 34th anniversary of the August 14, 1992 start of hostilities, noting memorial visits by citizens and veterans and the 1993 fall of Sukhumi. Culture & Heritage: The Georgian National Museum hosts a Shanxi bronze exhibition, “From the Yellow River to the Caucasus,” running until Oct 18. Lifestyle & Sports: Kuwait’s men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics teams begin training camps in Tbilisi (Aug 12–30). Community & Food: A Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti youth-and-farm event in Martvili spotlights small-scale women farmers, local dairy and produce, and intergenerational know-how.

Pro-European Protest in Tbilisi: Demonstrators marked day 624 of daily actions, gathering near Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall to demand the release of political prisoners, repeal “repressive” laws, and a return to a Euro-Atlantic course, with protests split between Freedom Square and the Parliament area due to Rustaveli Avenue repairs. Cultural Heritage in Focus: An archive tied to renowned Georgian artist Alexander Shervashidze has been found in London’s Royal Asiatic Society collections, a major find after the 2024 Sukhumi hall fire. Diplomacy & Culture: Germany appointed diplomat Barbara Voss as its new ambassador to Georgia, pledging continued support for the country’s democratic and pro-European path. Sports & Youth: Seventeen-year-old Georgian table tennis player Anastasia Chkhartishvili reached the Latvian Open final in Riga. Arts & Identity: Nino Sukhishvili said she will never tour Russia for the state ensemble, citing Georgia’s occupied territory. Public Safety: A minibus crash on the Gomis Mta road in Guria killed four Belarusian tourists and injured 17 others, including children.

South Ossetia Rights Case: Activist Tamara Merakishvili again urged acting South Ossetian leader Marat Kambolov to let her return to Leningor and restore her documents, saying constitutional duties require protection of residents’ rights. Road Safety Tragedy: A minibus crash on the Gomis Mta road in western Georgia left 4 dead and 17 injured, including six children, with an investigation opened over alleged traffic-safety violations. Pro-European Protest in Tbilisi: On the 623rd day of daily demonstrations, protesters gathered at Parliament and City Hall demanding a return to the Euro-Atlantic path, release of political prisoners, and fair elections. Sanctions & Crypto Scrutiny: The U.S. sanctioned a Georgia-based cryptocurrency company over alleged support for IRGC-linked transactions, adding pressure to address sanctions evasion risks. Culture in Batumi: Adjara TV hosted an ethno-jazz festival in Batumi’s Old Town featuring Azerbaijan’s “Mejazz” band, spotlighting cross-border musical ties. Sports & Identity: UFC champ Merab Dvalishvili responded to Umar Nurmagomedov’s comments after a viral altercation at RAF Georgia, framing it as a matter of culture and respect.

Pro-European Protest in Tbilisi: On the 623rd day of daily demonstrations, protesters gathered at Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall demanding a return to the Euro-Atlantic path, release of political prisoners, and fair elections, with placards marking the August 2008 Shindisi tragedy. Sanctions & Crypto Scrutiny: The U.S. Treasury sanctioned a Georgia-based cryptocurrency company and its operator over alleged transfers involving IRGC-controlled addresses, adding pressure to Georgia’s role in sanctions evasion. Abkhazia Fuel Transparency Fight: Opposition lawmakers are demanding the government name the company that delivered fuel to occupied Abkhazia, arguing public consent and timing remain unclear. Cultural Lab in Armenia (regional arts): Hosq Initiative’s Notations Lab & Festival in Yerevan expanded into a major contemporary experimentation platform, bringing 111 artists from 27 countries. Batumi Music Exchange: Adjara TV hosted a festival in Batumi’s Old Town featuring Azerbaijan’s Mejazz ethno-jazz band, spotlighting cross-border cultural ties. City Hall Fine: Tbilisi City Hall fined “Smart Solution” 1,583 GEL for not running Rustaveli Avenue rehabilitation works in a 24-hour regime.

Road Safety Policy: Georgia is drafting a National Road Safety Strategy for 2026–2030, with a focus on rear-seat seatbelts and tougher enforcement after thousands of violations and hundreds of deaths in recent years. School Life & Shopping: School uniforms are rolling out nationwide: first-graders can buy from Sept 1–14, with later deliveries for grades 2–6, plus cashless payment rules and exchange windows. Design & Fashion Spotlight: Zalando’s 2026 Visionary Award goes to Galib Gassanoff, whose SS27 collection “YAD” brings Caucasus and regional heritage into Copenhagen’s National Gallery. Architecture & Heritage Watch: Domus highlights major architecture stories this summer, including Tbilisi’s music hall facing demolition and debates over preserving modern landmarks. Sports & Tourism Build-Up: Pontus and Rotana plan “Caucasus Mandili,” Rotana’s first ski resort worldwide, in Gudauri—aimed at year-round visitors. Culture on Screen: A retrospective explores how the USSR tried to popularize Soviet cinema in Cold War India, using film as soft power. Protests in Tbilisi: Demonstrators marked the August 2008 war anniversary in Shindisi, calling for political prisoners’ release and a return to Euro-Atlantic course.

Pro-European Protest in Tbilisi: On the 622nd day of demonstrations, activists gathered at Parliament and Tbilisi City Hall with posters honoring the 2008 war dead in Shindisi, repeating demands to free political prisoners, repeal “repressive laws,” and restore a Euro-Atlantic course. Sports & Culture Exchange: Kuwait’s women’s rhythmic gymnastics team has arrived for a Georgia training camp, while Azerbaijan’s Ritm Dance Group is set to represent the country at the Montoire World Folklore Festival in France. Tourism & Lifestyle: Gudauri is getting a Rotana-branded, four-season ski resort in a bid to boost year-round travel, and a travel feature highlights how the Ural region is turning to nature-and-heritage tourism with new glamping options. Road Safety Policy: Georgia is drafting a National Road Safety Strategy (2026–2030) that could make seatbelts mandatory for rear-seat passengers, citing major risk reductions in crashes. Culture Sector Tensions: Musician Nikoloz Rachveli hit back at Georgian Dream officials over concerts in Russia after the August 2008 war.

Protest Culture in Tbilisi: Supporters of Euro-integration kept up nightly rallies on Rustaveli, calling for the release of prisoners of conscience and an end to what they describe as a pro-Russian course, with EU and national flags and signs reacting to August-war politics. Arts & Identity: Musician Nikoloz Rachveli hit back at Georgian Dream officials over concerts in Russia, framing the dispute as a fight for justice and for “true heroes” of Georgian culture. Sports & Youth Spotlight: Georgia’s National AI Team won 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze and a special mention at IOAI 2026 in Astana, with TBC backing the preparation. International Culture Diplomacy: A Ukrainian diplomat discussed cooperation with Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus, pointing to major regional events and signed strategic documents. Media/Tech for Creators: Alpaca launched Mentionify, aiming to help Drupal sites get cited by AI answer engines like ChatGPT and Gemini. Global Human Stories: A U.S. federal case sentenced a Georgia dogfighting promoter to two years, after prosecutors said pandemic aid funded animal abuse.

Georgia Tech & Education: Georgia’s National AI Team brought home 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze and a special mention at IOAI 2026 in Astana, with training backed by TBC and GAIA. Youth & Industry: RMG’s Summer School welcomed international students for the first time, pairing a month-long internship with Georgian universities and a European master’s programme. City Life & Culture: Tbilisi Zoo’s new Caucasus exhibition opened in test mode, with a café and children’s learning space still under construction. Tourism & Lifestyle: Georgia’s outbound travel rose in Q2 2026 to 740.9k trips (+3.6%), with most visitors heading to Turkey and Armenia. Public Safety & Rights: The Interior Ministry says no suspicious circumstances were found in the 2014 disappearance of minor Guram Dadianidze, after a social media video resurfaced. Politics & Memory: PM Irakli Kobakhidze again blamed Mikheil Saakashvili and UNM for the 2008 war as Georgia marked the anniversary. Arts & Heritage: A new piece reflects on the demolition of Tbilisi’s Rike Park “futuristic pipes,” calling it the end of a symbolic modernization era.