In six months, Georgia passed five laws restricting media. Here’s a breakdown

These laws ban foreign-funded media, increase state control, and punish journalists for criticizing authorities

Can Armenia refuse to implement arbitration court’s decision? Nationalisation of Electric Networks of Armenia

The Stockholm Arbitration Institute has ordered the government of Armenia to “refrain from further steps to confiscate” the company Electric Networks of Armenia. Comment from the Minister of Justice

Opinion: "Arrests of officials in Georgia are a way to remove unwanted people"

Lela Dzhezelava: "This is obviously not a fight against corruption. It is a struggle for the distribution of power and financial influence"

“To the world, we’re all Russians” - an Abkhaz politician’s remark sparked backlash online

The opposition called these words “an outburst of sycophancy"

What property do Georgian Dream members own in Europe? Transparency International report

At least 18 people close to the party own property or businesses in the EU. Ahead of a possible visa-free suspension, many are buying companies and apartments and obtaining citizenship there for their families

“Baku’s goal is to subjugate Armenia to Azerbaijan”: views from Yerevan

Hajiyev’s statements were interpreted in Yerevan as a clear signal that Baku is not seeking to negotiate with Armenia under any circumstances

Abkhazia for Russia – a freeloader or an ally? Opinion

Abkhaz opposition figure Dmitry Gvaramia believes that “isolated Russia should especially value such a loyal ally as Abkhazia”

Separatism charges against Talysh in Azerbaijan: who is threatened by Lankon?

Officially, the Talysh make up about 2–3% of the population, but in reality, around 15–20%. However, the language has no official status, is practically not taught, and activists are accused of having ties with Iran and Armenia

Russia asks the Georgian government to respond to “Russophobic incidents” against fencers

At the Fencing World Championship in Tbilisi, activists are staging protests against Russian athletes who hold military ranks and represent Putin

Former deputy defense minister of Georgia detained on embezzlement charges

It is alleged that the criminal actions caused damage to the state amounting to about $500,000

“Lawlessness and police violence during building demolitions in Baku." Commentary

161 homes are being demolished, most unregistered, but authorities in fact recognized them through installed meters and paid utility bills

Georgia is hosting the multinational Resistant Spirit 2025 drills together with the United States

The defense minister, the commander, and the chief of the general staff did not attend the opening. Still, in Russia, the exercises were seen as a sign of Georgian Dream’s weakness in the face of NATO’s return

"Georgian Dream is spreading disinformation about the role of the European Union in Georgia" - EU

“The route through Armenia will be an alternative, not the main one”: expert opinion

According to economist Suren Parsyan, Georgia remains the more convenient route for all countries — not least because maritime shipping is more cost-effective

British Embassy: "Georgian Dream has distanced itself from Euro-Atlantic cooperation"

"What Russia is doing is systematic colonization." Opinion from Abkhazia

Restaurant boom in Armenia: business responds to rising demand

We explore how the demand emerged, who is visiting restaurants more frequently, and why prices have gone up – with insights from customers, a marketing expert, and the head of the NGO "Restaurant Association".

Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 21-25 July, 2025

Daily morning roundup. Top stories in local media, commentary, trending photos and videos

Opinion: "Dozens of cases against activists in Georgia lack any evidence at all"

Nika Simonishvili: "By closing the trials, the public is denied accurate information, and the accused are deprived of the chance to prove their innocence"

Tensions between Armenian authorities and Church: Pashinyan’s plan to remove Catholicos

The prime minister reportedly proposes appointing a married priest as acting Catholicos and holding elections for a new one. Full details of the plan and expert commentary

Azerbaijani-Russian relations at a new stage: causes of tension and future prospects

Among the main events that worsened the situation are: the Azerbaijani plane shot down by Russian air defenses; raids against Azerbaijanis in Russia; mutual accusations in the media and at the diplomatic level

The president of Abkhazia served corn porridge to villagers - and even the opposition approved

According to the opposition, Badra Gunba showed respect for Abkhaz traditions

Armenia to fine those responsible for forest fires

Individuals whose actions lead to the outbreak of a forest fire in Armenia will be fined 200,000 drams (approximately $525). Monitoring and enforcement have been assigned to the newly established eco-patrol service

Pashinyan remains Armenia’s most trusted politician, but his approval rating has declined: IRI poll

According to a poll conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI), Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan holds the second-highest trust rating among Armenian politicians, followed by former President Robert Kocharyan in third place

Popular Georgian outlet Batumelebi faces closure over tax debts. Readers are joining forces to save it

Journalists reported pressure on independent media. With support from readers and colleagues, the main part of the debt - up to $17,000 - was repaid in a single day