Top stories in Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia from 20-24 April, 2026

● On April 24, Armenia and a number of other countries mark the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire, which claimed the lives of about 1.5 million Armenians. By tradition, hundreds of thousands of people, starting from the evening of April 23, make their way to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan and lay flowers at the Eternal Flame.

● “Statehood and peace are the guarantee that the Armenian Genocide will not happen again,” said Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. “To achieve this historic goal, we must stop searching for a homeland beyond the internationally recognized territory of our state—the Republic of Armenia—covering 29,743 square kilometers. Peace and security primarily mean regulated relations with neighbors, based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity, sovereignty, inviolability of borders, and political independence,” Pashinyan said in a livestream on his social media.

● Overnight, an annual torchlight procession set off from Republic Square in Yerevan ahead of the 111th anniversary, heading toward the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex.

● Nikol Pashinyan condemned activists of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation for burning the Turkey flag in Yerevan, calling the act “clearly provocative behavior.”

● A representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, opposition MP Ishkhan Saghatelyan, said: “111 years ago they sought to destroy the identity of Armenians; the nation found the strength to recover, preserved its identity, and built statehood. Today, more than a century later, Armenians are being pressured into renouncing it. The goal is the same—to erase the Armenian trace and destroy our kind.”

● Following a recently identified outbreak in the city of Byureghavan, around three dozen residents are currently receiving inpatient treatment, the community administration reported. The cause is still unknown. The city’s clinic said that laboratory tests of water samples meet established standards, but at the same time recommends, as a precaution, boiling drinking water for some time before use.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called former president Levon Ter-Petrosyan a “true representative” of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. “Everything else was a game. And he is the most unsuccessful representative of that party. Ter-Petrosyan’s Armenian National Congress has no chance at all in the upcoming June 7 parliamentary elections,” Pashinyan told journalists.

● Nikol Pashinyan: “I cannot say whether Armenia will leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization or not. But Armenia will not restore relations with this organization. This is also stated in the ruling party’s election program.”

● Armenia’s defense minister met in Tbilisi with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze during an ongoing visit. Issues of regional security were discussed.

● Former Armenian president Robert Kocharyan disagrees with the view that Samvel Karapetyan is the leader of the opposition in Armenia. “The opposition field is more competitive. We do not intend to give up,” Kocharyan said.

● The “Independent Observer” bloc reported alleged violations in the activities of the My Step Foundation in recent months, which is headed by Anna Hakobyan, the wife of the prime minister. This was announced by Daniel Ioannisyan, founder of the Union of Informed Citizens. He said the bloc had filed a complaint with the administrative court, seeking to hold Anna Hakobyan accountable in 15 cases. The bloc считает that concerts held in Gyumri on April 19 and in Yerevan on April 23 were campaign events of the Civil Contract party. Their expenses, it argues, should have been covered in accordance with the law on political parties, rather than from the Foundation budget.

● Relatives of missing servicemen held a protest, demanding publication of the report by the investigative commission established to examine the circumstances of the 44-day war with Azerbaijan in autumn 2020, which has not been submitted to the National Assembly. During the protest, participants attempted to block the central Baghramyan Avenue in memory of fallen soldiers, but police formed a cordon and prevented them from doing so.

● Exports from Armenia increased significantly in January–March 2026 compared to the same period in 2025: to European Union countries by 90%, to the United States by 13%, and to China by 2.3 times, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said.

● A Spanish honorary consulate was officially opened in Yerevan. Spain’s ambassador to Armenia, Ricardo Martínez Vázquez, said relations between the two countries are strong and their peoples share common values and principles. He also highlighted the contribution of honorary consul Ashot Parsyan, who founded the Spanish Center in Yerevan 22 years ago, where children study Spanish free of charge.

● The Prosecutor General’s Office has confirmed that four employees of the state service for mobilization and military conscription have been arrested as part of anti-corruption operations. All of them are accused of accepting bribes.

● The second international oil trade and transport forum “Caspian and Central Asia” is being held in Baku. Among the main topics discussed are the development of new technologies for using the resource base, the integration of renewable energy sources into petrochemical processes, and the rapid development of transport corridors.

● At the forum, a proposal was made to create a “Baku Energy Exchange” in Azerbaijan—a dedicated commodity trading platform that could become a key instrument for developing regional energy trade. It was stated that such a project could be implemented as a joint venture with the participation of leading international players, including the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), as well as with support from major investment banks such as JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. Such a platform would serve as a link between producers, traders, and end consumers. Against the backdrop of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, the issue of creating such infrastructure is gaining particular relevance, it was stated at the forum. Traders, buyers, and sellers would supply oil products—fuel oil, diesel, and aviation fuel—to Azerbaijan and store them there. The implementation of this project could open new opportunities not only for the energy sector but for the entire logistics ecosystem of the region, forum participants said.

● Azerbaijan’s foreign exchange reserves increased by nearly 16% over the year, reaching $85.1727 billion.

● Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is offering countries of the Caucasus cooperation in air defense and protection against drones. Ukraine is already actively working in this area with countries of the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, the president wrote on his Telegram channel.

● Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, condemned the burning of the Turkey flag by activists of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation during a march held yesterday in central Yerevan to mark Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day on April 24. “This is clearly provocative behavior that incites tension. Nikol Pashinyan considers such actions toward a neighboring state irresponsible and unacceptable,” the prime minister’s spokesperson told journalists.

● Some schools, as well as secondary and higher educational institutions in Baku, will switch to дистанционное обучение during the period of the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13), which will be held in the capital from May 18 to 22. Primary school classes will instead go on छुटка during these dates instead of the previously scheduled May 1–5 period.

● Former Defense Minister Buansher Burchuladze has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was accused of embezzling funds from the Ministry of Defense and abusing his power. Burchuladze held the post in 2021–2024, during the tenure of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who is currently under arrest on corruption charges. The court ordered the confiscation of part of Burchuladze’s property and banned him from holding public office. As part of the case, his former deputy Giorgi Khaindrava and other figures also appeared before the court.

● In Brussels, it was confirmed that the Georgian oil port terminal in Kulevi has avoided inclusion in the EU’s 20th sanctions package against Russia. The European Union agreed to accept commitments from the Georgian authorities and the port operator—the state oil company of Azerbaijan, SOCAR—not to service vessels subject to sanctions, and to ensure compliance with the ban on supplying to the EU petroleum products made from Russian oil. Media quote an EU representative as saying: “Everything we sought, we have received in the form of commitments, and this is a more effective approach than adding the facility to the sanctions list. The EU will closely monitor compliance with these guarantees.” More details here on the situation around the Kulevi terminal and why it was considered a candidate for sanctions.

● Georgia’s ambassador to Azerbaijan, Zurab Pataradze, has been nominated for the post of head of government of the autonomous republic of Adjara. He previously led the government in 2016–2018 and will now replace Sulkhani Tamazashvili, who has been appointed Minister of Internal Affairs.

● The ruling Georgian Dream party reacted extremely negatively to a statement by the European Union ambassador, Pawel Herczynski, who said that Georgia is at a crossroads, could return to “dark times,” and that the country’s future depends on the decisions the authorities make in the near future. He added that the EU is ready to help Georgia if the government expresses a willingness to cooperate. The ruling party demanded that the ambassador be summoned to the Foreign Ministry; Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Kakha Kaladze called the statement a threat and said it goes beyond diplomatic norms. More details here.

● The State Security Service reported that one of those arrested on espionage charges is a Georgian citizen, a resident of Akhalgori (Tskhinvali Region), 27-year-old Tamaz Goloev. According to the SSG, he collected information about law enforcement agencies and strategic infrastructure on instructions from a foreign intelligence service. It has not been disclosed which country the accused was acting for.

● With the participation of the presidents of Azerbaijan and Latvia, Ilham Aliyev and Edgars Rinkēvičs, an Azerbaijani–Latvian business forum was held in Baku. Cooperation in energy, transport and transit, agriculture, and the defense industry was discussed.

● President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the forum, noted the favorable opportunities of the free economic zone in Alat Free Economic Zone, which is already attracting significant volumes of foreign investment. “I believe that the legal framework, as well as proximity to the main commercial seaport and railway, make the free economic zone in Alat attractive,” the president said.

● Ilham Aliyev: “There is strong demand in Azerbaijan for additional investment in the restoration and reconstruction of territories in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur that were liberated from occupation.”

● Ilham Aliyev: “One of the areas of investment in Azerbaijan’s portfolio is renewable energy, with enormous potential for solar and wind power. Our plan предусматривает reaching a capacity of 8 gigawatts of solar, wind, and hydropower by 2032. In this way, we will significantly replace natural gas used for electricity generation, which will allow us to save several billion cubic meters of gas that are now in high demand on international markets. We plan to increase production and, of course, expand exports. Today, 10 member states of the European Union receive natural gas from Azerbaijan. In total, there are 16 such countries. By this indicator, we rank first in the world. For many EU countries, Azerbaijani gas and oil make up the largest share of their energy portfolio.”

● Ilham Aliyev: “Azerbaijan already exports products from its defense enterprises—both private and state-owned—to a large number of countries. We are certainly interested in investment opportunities in Latvia. We can compile a list of potential projects in which both countries can successfully participate.”

● Ilham Aliyev: “Connectivity between East and West today is quite problematic without Azerbaijan. The country’s geographical position is complemented by investments and a long-term policy aimed at turning Azerbaijan into an international transport hub. This has already been achieved—transport corridors are functioning both from east to west and from north to south, as well as in the reverse direction. Now we are focused on investments in modernization and digitalization, including opportunities provided by artificial intelligence. There is significant room for investment here.”

● Ilham Aliyev: “Since the signing of a joint peace declaration with Armenia at the White House in August 2025, trade relations have begun, in particular exports of petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia. There have also been mutual visits and meetings between representatives of civil society and media from Azerbaijan and Armenia, which contributes to normalization.”

● President Edgars Rinkēvičs: “Latvia, as a member of the European Union, the OECD, and NATO, is fully ready to work and support cooperation between Azerbaijan and these organizations, as well as bilateral structures. Azerbaijan is Latvia’s main trade and political partner in the South Caucasus region and, in fact, in the broader region.”

● President Edgars Rinkēvičs stated that he fully supports the introduction of a visa-free regime between Azerbaijan and the European Union, which, in his words, “has enormous potential not only for business, but also for people-to-people contacts and tourism.”

● Edgars Rinkēvičs: “The signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia will become a landmark event not only for the region, but for the entire world.”

● Edgars Rinkēvičs invited Ilham Aliyev to pay an official visit to Latvia.

● Azerbaijan is calling for stronger cooperation among Caspian littoral states amid the rapid shallowing of the Caspian Sea, which is one of the most pressing challenges for the region, Prime Minister Ali Asadov said at the regional environmental summit RES2026 in Astana.

● The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan congratulated Israel on its Independence Day.

● In Baku, Russian programmer Alexander Vaisero was sentenced to four years in prison. According to the investigation, he laundered more than 727,000 manats (about $427,000) obtained through illegal букмекерские конторы, lottery and gambling websites operating outside Azerbaijan. It is reported that he transferred the money in parts to bank cards of various individuals in order to conceal its origin.

Vaisero is one of several Russian citizens detained in Azerbaijan amid the escalation of Russian-Azerbaijani relations last summer. Tensions began in December 2024, when Russian air defense systems shot down an Azerbaijani passenger plane; later, in June 2025, violent detentions of Azerbaijanis took place in Russia, during which two people were killed by special forces. After that, several Azerbaijanis in Russia were sentenced to long prison terms, and some members of the diaspora were stripped of Russian citizenship and deported. In response, Baku detained a group of Russian nationals, canceled all mass events related to Russia, and shut down the Azerbaijani branch of the Russian news agency Sputnik.

Vaisero arrived in Baku from Yekaterinburg as a tourist in June 2025. He was detained on July 1 together with seven other Russian nationals. They face various charges, including cybercrime and illegal drug trafficking from Iran. The other detained Russians have not yet been sentenced.

● Member of the Milli Majlis Tural Ganjaliyev issued a statement about a “cultural genocide committed by Armenia against Azerbaijanis.” “For many years, Armenia’s policy has been accompanied by the destruction of Azerbaijani cultural heritage and the erasure of its traces both in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan—in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur—and in Armenia itself. Unfortunately, despite the end of the war and the positive atmosphere that has emerged in the post-conflict period, Armenia has not apologized for these crimes and has not undertaken any obligations,” he said.

● Court proceedings continued in the criminal case related to the fire at the Republican Perinatal Center in January 2024, when seven newborns died. During the hearing, surveillance camera footage was reviewed, showing that the duty doctor, after noticing a fire in an incubator with a baby inside, did not attempt to remove the child; this was done by a санитарный работник. The footage also shows that one of the doctors on night duty left the ward with the newborns and went to sleep, while another was occupied with documents outside the ward, which led to the fire being discovered too late. The investigation established that the new director of the center, Mehriban Abasguliyeva, had doubled the number of admitted patients without taking into account the facility’s capacity, which led to an overload of the electrical system and caused the fire.

● Five Azerbaijani citizens—two women and three children—have been repatriated from Syria via Turkey, the Foreign Ministry reported.

● Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler Hasrat Jafarov (67 kg) became European champion for the fourth consecutive time, winning a gold medal at the European Championship in Tirana. In the final, he defeated Turkish athlete Murat Fırat with a score of 7:5. Azerbaijani wrestlers won a total of two gold and three bronze medals, and the national team defended its European champion title (pictured). Turkey placed second (121 points), and Georgia third (118). The Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestling team also won the European title last year at the championship held in Bratislava.

● Deputy Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, Aleksey Shevtsov, criticized Armenia’s intention to take back from Russia and transfer to another country the concession to manage Armenia’s railways. Armenia’s railway infrastructure was transferred to Russia in 2008 under a 30-year concession agreement, with an option to extend it for another 10 years. Armenian authorities say that over this period there has been a significant decline in turnover, and that after Russia’s war against Ukraine many countries are reluctant to deal with businesses controlled by Moscow. Armenia’s leadership has previously stated that it hopes the concession could be transferred from Russia to Kazakhstan.

“It is at least strange to hear statements from Yerevan that Russia’s concession management supposedly creates competitive losses, along with proposals to hand it over to third countries,” Shevtsov said. He claims that the agreement was concluded on максимально favorable terms for the Armenian side. He added that potential buyers of the concession would have to pay at least $250 million to acquire the rights and compensation, then spend around $40 million annually on operating costs, invest approximately $400 million in restoring the Ijevan section, about $200 million in the Vanadzor–Fioletovo section, and roughly $40 million in restoring sections along the borders with Turkey and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. At the same time, freight volumes on Armenia’s railway network are not confirmed, and their growth potential is unclear, while in the event of Armenia leaving the Eurasian Economic Union they would inevitably decline.

● Russia’s Security Council says Armenia could lose around 23% of its GDP if it joins the European Union.

● Armenia and France intend to sign a strategic partnership document during the planned May 4–5 visit to Yerevan by French President Emmanuel Macron. This was announced by Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, who added that several other cooperation agreements are also expected to be signed across various areas, including military-technical cooperation.

● Local media quote Ilham Aliyev, who again stated: “There is already de facto peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

● A meeting between the defense ministers of Armenia and Georgia was held in Tbilisi. The sides discussed prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in the defense sphere and issues of regional security.

● On the sidelines of the Delphi Economic Forum, Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan met with former President of Turkey, Abdullah Gül. He led the country in 2008–2009, a period that went down in history as “football diplomacy,” when relations between Armenia and Turkey saw significant warming. Gül became the first Turkish president to visit Yerevan (for a national team match), followed by a return visit to Ankara by then-President Serzh Sargsyan. These visits were followed by the Zurich Protocols on normalization of relations, although no further progress was achieved.

● Former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan criticized the authorities for abandoning the agenda of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. “It is difficult to choose a single definition—whether it is stupidity or betrayal,” Sargsyan told journalists.

● The authorities of Istanbul have once again banned a memorial event on April 24 dedicated to the victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, according to the Armenian newspaper Agos. The paper cites a statement by the organization “April 24 Commemoration Platform” operating in Turkey. The ban was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the risk of infection spread, but has remained in force for six years without explanation. Meanwhile, from 2010 to 2019, annual commemorative events dedicated to the victims of 1915 were held at Taksim Square and in several other locations.

● In the city of Byureghavan, since Wednesday the ambulance service has received numerous calls reporting general weakness, fever, and vomiting. The Ministry of Health said that an epidemiological investigation has been conducted and additional information will be provided later. “Currently, five people are hospitalized, but this number may increase. At the moment there are no severe cases; the overall condition is satisfactory to moderate, with no complications,” the ministry said.

● Residents of Yerevan’s Vardashen district held a protest outside City Hall, demanding action in response to the emergency condition of their residential buildings.

● Rescuers successfully evacuated 46 people who were stranded at a depth of 236 meters at a salt plant in Yerevan due to a temporary power outage.

● Police detained a 55-year-old man with no fixed place of residence, suspected of attacking a bus driver with a knife, the Interior Ministry reported.

● The international organization Open Government Partnership (OGP) has officially expelled Georgia from its ranks. The reason cited is the lack of reforms in the areas of civic space, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly. The decision was made following a monitoring process that has been underway since 2024.

● Foreign Minister from Georgian Dream, Maka Bochorishvili, said she does not understand what exactly the European Union finds unacceptable in the policies of the Georgian government. “The European Union continues to be used as a tool against Georgia. But if anything needs to change, it is the bureaucracy in Brussels—they should change their attitude toward Georgia. We have never refused dialogue with the EU,” Bochorishvili said. She added that “Georgia’s government is elected by the people, it defends the country’s best interests and does everything to ensure peace, stability, and proper conditions for economic development. Why this course is incompatible with the EU is unclear.” Read more here on statements criticizing new repressive legislation in Georgia and violence against participants of pro-European protests voiced at a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

● Services for patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy / Becker Muscular Dystrophy are being expanded to include outpatient, inpatient, and research care, Health Minister Mikheil Sarjveladze announced. Parents of children with these conditions have been protesting for a long time, demanding assistance in purchasing expensive medications.

● The State Security Service has detained one Georgian citizen on charges of cooperating with a foreign intelligence service, while two others have been placed on an international wanted list. It is reported that the detainee acted in exchange for financial compensation. More details here.

● Former head of the State Security Service, Mamuka Mdinaradze, said that the flow of information to the agency has “increased 30-fold,” including as a result of expanded telephone surveillance, which, he noted, is based on court decisions.

● President from Georgian Dream, Mikheil Kavelashvili, met in Astana with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Strategic partnership and prospects for developing the “Middle Corridor” were discussed.

● Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili is on a visit to China. High-level meetings are planned, as well as the signing of amendments to the free trade agreement between Georgia and China.

● According to Geostat, Georgia’s population stands at 3.93 million. Women make up 52% of the population; the highest concentration of women is in Tbilisi, accounting for 34% of the country’s population. More information here.

● The Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision of the Council of the European Union on Foreign Affairs to deploy a new EU civilian mission in Armenia aimed at supporting democratic resilience and countering hybrid threats, including disinformation, cyberattacks, and illicit financial flows. The mission will be deployed for an initial period of two years. The decision was made at Armenia’s request ahead of the first Armenia–EU summit on May 5 and is another joint initiative within the Armenia–EU strategic partnership agenda.

● Reforming the Armenian Apostolic Church is an urgent necessity, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a livestream on Facebook. He noted that actions by the Church leadership have enabled external forces to try to turn it into a tool of hybrid warfare. Therefore, he said, the ruling party “Civil Contract” has included a roadmap for Church reform in its program. The first steps include the resignation of the Catholicos, the appointment of a locum tenens, adoption of a statute, financial transparency, and proper conduct of the clergy, followed by the election of a new Catholicos. Pashinyan also said clergy should be subject to the universal income declaration system. “We are ready to return 100% of collected taxes to the Church and even provide more in social guarantees. Why do they refuse? Because they want to operate in the shadows and not be accountable either to the Church or the state,” he said. Read more here

● Arrested Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan has not been included on the candidate list of the opposition party “Strong Armenia” ahead of the June 7 parliamentary elections, as the law prohibits candidates from holding dual citizenship. Karapetyan is under arrest in Yerevan on charges of calling for the overthrow of state power. The party says that if it wins the elections, it will amend the constitution to remove this restriction. It is also reported that Karapetyan intends to renounce his Russian citizenship and retain only Armenian citizenship.

● Economic contacts have emerged between Armenia and Azerbaijan—modest in scale, but the first publicly documented signs of cross-border trade in recent years, according to Euronews. Azerbaijani customs data show that petroleum products worth about $5.75 million were exported to Armenia in the first quarter of 2026.

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received a delegation led by Gilbert-Luc Devinaz, head of the France–Armenia Friendship Group in the Senate of France. Discussions focused on bilateral cooperation in energy, agriculture, and education.

● President Vahagn Khachaturyan is taking part in a UN regional environmental summit in Astana.

● The Foreign Ministry congratulated the government and people of Israel on Independence Day, saying Armenia is ready to expand bilateral ties and explore new areas of cooperation.

● Carnegie Europe analyst Thomas de Waal told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that a potential war with Iran creates serious obstacles to the “Trump Route” (TRIPP) project. First, deploying American personnel near the Iranian border during a conflict would be too dangerous. Second, attracting private investment to a project located next to Iran is increasingly difficult. At the same time, he noted that the project had strong initial momentum: an important agreement was signed in Washington in January, followed by a visit to the region by JD Vance. “Most of the main obstacles have largely been removed, and Trump clearly intends to complete the route by the end of his second term in 2028,” the analyst said.

● Amnesty International says police reforms in Armenia have failed to dispel concerns about excessive use of force during demonstrations and a lack of accountability. This applies in particular to violations during anti-government protests in May–June 2024. “Despite substantial evidence of unlawful use of force by police, criminal cases were subsequently brought only against protesters—16 people in total—and not against police officers,” the report says.

● Azerbaijani authorities have failed to ensure accountability and protection for people affected by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, according to Amnesty International’s annual report. The organization recalls that in October the European Court of Human Rights ordered Azerbaijan to provide information on the detention conditions and health of 23 Armenian detainees.

● The interests of more than 1,000 Karabakh Armenians are represented in over 500 complaints filed with the European Court of Human Rights by the organization “International Legal Initiative of Artsakh.” Lawyers say the claims seek restoration of the right to return to Karabakh and compensation for lost property.

● The Genesis Armenia foundation said that Azerbaijan has destroyed the Church of the Holy Mother of God in Karabakh, calling it “an act of vandalism on a state scale and another manifestation of cultural genocide.” The foundation also condemned what it described as the “complacent silence” of official Yerevan and a short-sighted policy of inaction that conceals Azerbaijan’s alleged crimes.

● President of Latvia Edgars Rinkēvičs is on an official visit to Azerbaijan.

● The European Union is discussing further steps in developing relations with Azerbaijan, including the possibility of supporting Baku’s call to expand assistance in demining. At the same time, Azerbaijan “has been and remains a very reliable energy partner” for EU countries, said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas at a press conference following the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg. The EU intends to resume negotiations on a new bilateral agreement in the near future, she added.

At the start of the press conference, Kallas stressed that the EU views the South Caucasus as a region of strategic importance. According to her, Europe is interested in a stable and secure South Caucasus, and progress in the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process “represents a real opportunity for the entire region.”

● Kaja Kallas: the EU expects to deepen its partnership with Yerevan and has agreed to establish a new civilian mission in Armenia aimed at strengthening the country’s resilience, including against disinformation and cyberattacks.

● The EU plans to step up engagement with Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey within a new Black Sea strategy focused on transport and energy connectivity, said European Commissioner Marta Kos ahead of the meeting in Luxembourg. She highlighted strengthening links between Europe and Central Asia as a key element, particularly in trade and energy routes.

● The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is considering financing the preparation phase of a deep-water electricity cable project across the Black Sea, said its regional director Grzegorz Zieliński. He noted significant technological risks, as the project would involve the longest and deepest subsea power cable in the world.

Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary signed a strategic partnership agreement in December 2022 to build a 1,195 km subsea cable. Bulgaria expressed interest in joining in June 2023. The project is being implemented by the joint venture Green Energy Corridor, founded by Transelectrica (Romania), Georgian State Electrosystem (Georgia), Azerenerji (Azerbaijan), and MVM Energy (Hungary). In April 2026, the EU officially included the “Black Sea Energy Cable” project in its list of Projects of Mutual Interest. The project is estimated at €3.5 billion and is expected to take 3–4 years to complete. The European Commission plans to allocate €2.3 billion.

● A roadmap for bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and transit was adopted during a visit by an Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy delegation to Spain. A roundtable with government and business representatives and a strategic economic dialogue meeting were held.

● Prime Minister of Italy Giorgia Meloni will visit Azerbaijan on May 5 for a one-day trip.

● Prime Minister Ali Asadov is taking part in the regional environmental summit RES2026 in Astana.

● Pro-government media in Azerbaijan have published an extensive list of luxury assets allegedly owned by Prime Minister Ali Asadov, including restaurants, banquet halls, and hotels. Some local experts see this as a signal: “In Azerbaijan, there is a ‘tradition’—before a blow against an official, pro-government media publish materials about their property.”

● A metro disruption occurred in Baku due to a short circuit. Four trains were stranded in a tunnel, and passengers were evacuated. Representatives of the Baku Metro said all safety systems worked properly and no fire occurred.

● Another shipment of diesel fuel—974 tons—has been sent from Azerbaijan to Armenia, transiting through Georgia.

● The Audit Chamber uncovered overspending of nearly 11 million manats (about $6.5 million) in Ganja between January 2023 and July 1, 2025. The audit covered road repairs, landscaping, construction of a sports palace, and a 249-apartment residential building. It found inflated work volumes, duplication of works, and equipment listed in budgets that was never purchased.

● Judges with at least three years of work experience have been granted access to preferential mortgage loans.

● Another Georgian fighter, Bacho Bebia, has been killed in Ukraine. He died during a Russian strike on a military base in Mykolaiv. His body will be returned to Georgia and buried with military honors in Zugdidi.

● Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty summed up his visit to Georgia, saying that impunity for law enforcement officers over violence during the dispersal of protests remains a problem and requires an independent investigation, including allegations of the use of water cannons with chemical agents. Read more here

● Major reshuffle in the government. Interior Minister Geka Geladze has been appointed head of the State Security Service, replacing Mamuka Mdinaradze, who will become state minister for coordinating law enforcement agencies and deputy prime minister. The Interior Ministry will be headed by former leader of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Sulkhán Tamazashvili, who is under sanctions from several Western countries. Read more here

● The opposition has called the changes in law enforcement a “personnel carousel” and sees them as a sign of a government crisis.

● The State Security Service has submitted its 2025 report to parliament. The main threats identified are Russia’s occupation of Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region, as well as disinformation campaigns. Read more here

● Amnesty International has published its 2025 report, criticizing restrictions on freedom of assembly and the use of force against protesters in Georgia. The report covers the human rights situation in 144 countries. Read more here

● EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Georgia needs to change course, and that “genuine dialogue” on human rights will be an indicator of this. Read more here

● Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan is on an official visit to Georgia.

● The Georgian Patriarchate said that three candidates for senior church positions will be named at the Holy Synod meeting on April 28.

● President from Georgian Dream Mikheil Kavelashvili is in Astana, where he is attending a regional environmental summit and plans to meet the president of Kazakhstan.

● Activist Albi Kordzaia has publicly accused Luka Chokhonelidze, founder of the movement “Nabiji,” of sexual harassment and possible rape. The Interior Ministry has announced the launch of an investigation.

● Georgia’s revenue from international tourism has risen by 0.5% since the start of the year compared to the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, last year’s revenue reached a record $4.69 billion. According to the National Bank, income from key countries is distributed as follows: the European Union — $140.7 million (+36%), Turkey — $120.1 million (+12%), Azerbaijan — $48.1 million (–1%), Ukraine — $45.3 million (+34%), Armenia — $28.8 million (+2%), Belarus — $16 million (+1%), Saudi Arabia — $12.9 million (+48%).

● “Azerbaijan, through lobbying and influence, is hindering the normalization process between Armenia and Turkey,” said Alen Simonyan, speaker of the Armenian National Assembly, at a meeting with Armenian media representatives in Istanbul. “On the one hand, Azerbaijan is negotiating with us, and on the other, it does not allow Turkey to negotiate with us. This is a strange situation. Turkey seems to have become a hostage to these relations,” Simonyan said.

● The Administrative Court has upheld a lawsuit by Tashir Capital against the government over the possible expropriation of 70% of the shares in Electric Networks of Armenia owned by the company. The expropriation process has been suspended for three months, until May 25, during which a deal for the sale of 100% of the company’s shares must be completed. Earlier, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure David Khudatyan предложил shareholders of Electric Networks of Armenia—Tashir Capital (70%) and Liormand Holding Limited (30%)—to sell all 100% of shares to the government. He requested a response by February 21 and warned that failure to respond would be considered a refusal. However, Tashir Capital received the minister’s letter on February 25 and argued in court that the three-month period should be counted from that date.

The court found Tashir Capital’s position justified and, on that basis, annulled the minister’s order.

●  President Vahagn Khachaturyan received Kevin Hamilton, NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia. The sides emphasized continued expansion of bilateral cooperation in political and defense spheres to ensure regional stability and security.

● Georgia and Armenia may gain certain economic benefits from the redirection of tourism and capital flows from the Middle East, according to a report by the International Monetary Fund.

● EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos and his deputy Teresa Vorlova met with the leadership of the Central Election Commission to discuss election preparations and cooperation with UN structures.

● A court has invalidated the 2005 sale of a 1.4514-hectare land plot in Yerevan by former Defense Minister Serzh Sargsyan. The deal, concluded with a private individual, will result in the confiscation of 297.98 million drams (about $205,000) in favor of the state.

● Tensions are escalating at the company “Yerevan Bus,” where drivers are threatening to quit, citing exploitation. According to SHAMSHYAN.com, instead of a 40-hour workweek, drivers work every other day, with shifts lasting 18–20 hours—from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. – leading to fatigue and frequent road accidents.

● Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, under arrest on charges of planning terrorist acts and attempting to seize power, has refused Holy Communion and blamed the Justice Ministry. He said clergy appointed by the Armenian Apostolic Church were unlawfully barred from entering detention facilities, calling it another step toward ending cooperation between the state and the Church.

●  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other officials attended the foundation-laying ceremony for a youth sports complex named after world-renowned boxer Arthur Abraham.

● In Armenia, a batch of Nestlé “NAN” baby formula weighing 9,700 kg has been destroyed due to the risk of a dangerous toxin.

● A warning has been issued about a possible significant rise in river levels due to expected heavy rainfall and snowmelt.

● Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan summoned the ambassadors of the Netherlands and Belgium, lodging a protest “over the adoption by their parliaments of resolutions aimed at undermining Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as the ongoing peace process between Baku and Yerevan.” The ministry noted it was “paradoxical” that these documents were adopted at the same time as the latest meeting between the speakers of the Azerbaijani and Armenian parliaments.

● The Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan strongly condemned the resolutions adopted in Belgium and the Netherlands as biased. “This is a demonstrative attempt to undermine the process of building an atmosphere of peace and cooperation in the region,” the statement said. It emphasized that:

• Azerbaijan’s sovereign territories are referenced in a distorted manner;

• False claims and unfounded accusations are made;

• The history and consequences of the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict are misrepresented;

• There is no mention of the Washington peace summit or the initialing of a peace agreement there

• Ethnic Armenians convicted in Baku for war crimes are portrayed as “prisoners of war,” with calls for their release, despite similar appeals by Armenia having been repeatedly rejected by the International Court of Justice;

• Claims about a risky military situation on the border contradict statements by Armenian officials and the fact that the past two years have been the calmest period without incidents.

The statement added that the timing of the resolutions suggests their initiators aim not to promote peace but to fuel hostility and revanchism.

● Amnesty International sharply criticized human rights violations in Azerbaijan in its annual report published April 21. It said authorities suppress dissent, imprison hundreds on politically motivated charges, restrict independent NGOs, and disperse peaceful protests, while torture and impunity remain widespread. Women and LGBTI+ people face discrimination and persecution. Despite this, the report notes Azerbaijan has deepened ties with the U.S. and the EU. Azerbaijani authorities have not yet commented, but have previously rejected such reports as biased. Ombudsperson Sabina Aliyeva earlier protested a similar report in a letter to the organization.

● Czech Republic and Azerbaijan are interested in expanding energy cooperation, including gas supplies and renewables, said presidential envoy Elchin Amirbayov during a visit to Prague. He noted that a significant share of crude oil imports to the Czech Republic comes from Azerbaijan.

● Development of the Middle Corridor linking Europe and Central Asia via the South Caucasus is a priority for the European Union, with key roles for Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey, said EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. The EU is preparing a feasibility study for the Nakhchivan railway and continues talks with Turkey as a major transit hub. She also noted EU-funded work connecting the energy systems of Armenia and Georgia. Georgia’s involvement is essential, though cooperation depends on its engagement with the EU.

● According to the European Commission, freight traffic through the South Caucasus has increased fourfold since 2022 and could triple again by 2030 with sufficient investment.

● Cooperation with Azerbaijan is highlighted in the annual report of State Security Service of Georgia. The 2025 Baku Security Forum is cited as a key event enabling discussions on regional risks, counterterrorism, and hybrid threats. The report says coordination between Baku and Tbilisi contributes to regional stability.

● The Milli Majlis also condemned remarks by French MP Julien Odoul of the National Rally, who rejected the concept of Islamophobia. Azerbaijani MP Tahir Rzayev said Islamophobia has effectively become part of French policy, while Azer Kerimli stressed the importance of interfaith harmony, noting millions of Muslims live in France and across the EU.

● A delegation from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service visited Azerbaijan as part of cooperation with ANAMA, focusing on experience-sharing and training. Ukraine’s ambassador expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s support.

● Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of Parliament, said a new lawsuit will be filed with the Constitutional Court of Georgia seeking to ban parties, with the Federalists to be added to the list. He said this is linked to the goals of the opposition alliance, which the government considers unconstitutional.

● Eight parties within the opposition alliance criticized imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who had spoken negatively about one politician, saying he was “trying to create the image of a ‘new Misha,’ which failed and led to confrontation within the opposition.” “No political force has the right to declare itself the sole representative or leader of the opposition or the protest. The alliance calls on parties to refrain from confrontational rhetoric and adhere to the principles of cooperation and mutual respect,” the statement said.

● Alex Raufoglu of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports that a bipartisan bill has been introduced in the United States Congress asking the Trump administration to examine networks of Russian and Chinese agents in Georgia. The bill was introduced by congressmen Joe Wilson and Steve Cohen.

● Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association has filed a complaint with the European Court of Human Rights over alleged systematic violence and ill-treatment by law enforcement during the 2024 pro-European protests, describing it as a “coordinated practice.” Read more here

● Parliament is set to consider an amendment initiated by the ruling Georgian Dream party that would exempt imports of strategically important goods from excise tax.

● According to government representative Guram Macharashvili, the election of the Patriarch remains within the authority of the Holy Synod, though he noted the need to revisit issues related to the Patriarch’s will and enthronement, which are under discussion within the Church.

● According to the State Security Service of Georgia, two people (including one foreign national) linked to the Islamic State were arrested in Batumi while attempting to join the group. They face sentences of 10 to 17 years in prison.

● According to a report by the Public Defender of Georgia, in the first 11 months of 2025 there were 436 cases of underage pregnancy and 287 cases of underage parenthood registered in Georgia. The report again highlights the ineffective response to child marriage as a key issue.

● Nariman Makarishvili, known as Monk Nikoloz, has died. The Interior Ministry confirmed he was found dead in the apartment where he lived; a case has been opened under the article of incitement to suicide. He lived a reclusive life, observed a vow of silence, and had a circle of followers who revered him as a saint.

● Georgia is among the countries carrying out transnational repression, according to a Freedom House report. The country was listed among six new additions—alongside Afghanistan, Benin, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The organization estimates that at least 54 states attempted to target critics beyond their borders in 2025.

● A 23-year-old student from Marneuli, Aisun Guliyeva, was found dead in Tbilisi. Her friend was unable to enter the apartment they shared and called for help. The door was opened with police involvement, and the body was found inside. The Interior Ministry has launched an investigation under the article of incitement to suicide. The cause of death is not yet known; the family is awaiting forensic results.

● Parents of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy have announced the start of a շուրջ-the-clock protest outside the government administration building in Tbilisi. They are demanding that authorities fund the purchase and import of a life-saving drug. According to them, the protest will continue until a decision is made. Parents stress that the disease progresses rapidly, and delays directly affect the children’s condition. The drug in question can slow the progression of the illness and improve patients’ quality of life; without it, they say, the health of around 100 children in the country is under serious threat.

●  Giorgi Vashadze, leader of the opposition party Strategy Aghmashenebeli, said that a door-to-door campaign will take place in Tbilisi from May 10 to 26. According to him, a political assembly is planned for May 26, at which the opposition hopes to receive a “first collective mandate” from society.

● According to The Wall Street Journal, a project to build a “Trump Tower”—a skyscraper of around 70 floors involving international architectural and development companies—is being considered in Tbilisi.

● Protests have taken place in Tbilisi against a new policy on stray animals. Demonstrators are demanding a revision of a decree signed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, which removes the state’s obligation to return captured dogs to the streets. Animal rights activists say roundups are continuing – including of sterilized and chipped animals—and are demanding clarification on where the animals are being taken. Read more here

● “Turkey hopes a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be signed soon. This will contribute to the development of all countries in the region, and we are very close to this,” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said at a briefing following the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. “The region’s role in implementing the Middle Corridor transit project is extremely important, and stability in the South Caucasus is essential for the security of this corridor. This route is particularly important for Turkey, and we are also working on it with the European Union. Turkey is making major efforts to ensure peace in the South Caucasus,” Fidan added.

● “The sincere friendship between the presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is a message to the entire world. Their exceptional role in resolving regional issues and the steps they take for peace and security are in the global spotlight,” said Hakan Fidan at the same briefing.

● The 82nd session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific is being held in Bangkok under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship. Its main theme is “Leaving no one behind: building inclusive societies in Asia and the Pacific.” Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov is scheduled to speak today. The day before, he held a series of meetings with prime ministers and foreign ministers participating in the session.

● The presidents of Azerbaijan and Serbia discussed bilateral and regional developments by phone at the initiative of Aleksandar Vučić. They noted Ilham Aliyev’s official visit to Serbia in February and the first meeting of the bilateral strategic partnership council with the participation of the presidents. Vučić said he will attend the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku in May. It was also noted that Air Serbia will launch direct Belgrade–Baku flights starting May 3. Both sides emphasized that restoring peace is a key condition for the region’s security and development.

● Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit Azerbaijan in the coming weeks, Euronews reported. “Supplies of Azerbaijani gas via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) remain a key pillar of relations between the two countries. TAP is also an important part of the broader Southern Gas Corridor linking the Caspian region with Europe,” the report said.

● The opening of Portugal’s embassy in Baku is expected in the coming days.

● Another group of Ukrainian children—29 in total—has arrived in Azerbaijan for rehabilitation. According to Ukraine’s ambassador, this is already the third group in 2026; since the start of Russia’s invasion, 545 Ukrainian children have undergone recovery and rehabilitation in Azerbaijan.

● The Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup has concluded in Baku, with more than 150 gymnasts from 42 countries taking part. Ukraine’s Taisiia Onofriichuk took first place, Germany’s Daria Varfolomeev came second, and Bulgaria’s Stiliana Nikolova placed third. Israel won the all-around team event, with Spain finishing second.

● A sharp cold snap is forecast in Azerbaijan in the coming days, with storm winds and snowfall expected in mountainous areas.

Photo: The presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan and the prime minister of Pakistan during the Antalya Diplomatic Forum:

● Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan appeared in public in Gyumri alongside Anna Hakobyan for the first time since reports of their separation. Footage released by Pashinyan shows Hakobyan accompanying him during a Yerevan–Gyumri motor rally held to mark the opening of the Ashtarak–Gyumri of the North–South highway. In a separate video filmed earlier at the prime minister’s residence, Hakobyan is also seen briefly passing behind Pashinyan. The footage has fueled speculation that she may have resumed living with him. Hakobyan declined to comment when asked by journalists.

● The newly opened Ashtarak–Gyumri highway section, inaugurated with Pashinyan’s participation, stretches about 84 km. It is the first road of its technical category with a speed limit of up to 90 km/h. Each direction has two lanes, each 3.6 metres wide. A 2-metre technical (safety) shoulder has also been предусмотрена for emergency stops, roadworks and other needs. A concert was held in Gyumri’s Vardanants Square following the opening, featuring, among others, the group “Varchaband,” a band associated with the prime minister.

● Former president Robert Kocharyan, leader of the Armenia bloc, said during a campaign event in Vanadzor that he is ready to undergo a mental health assessment. He also voiced concern about the mental state of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: “I don’t know about others, but I fully support this idea, as the problem does exist. There are people with borderline conditions whose state depends on the season. As some say, ‘the roof sometimes stays in place, sometimes it doesn’t,’” Kocharyan said.

● Businessman Samvel Karapetyan, widely seen as pro-Russian, also said the prime minister “needs treatment.” Pashinyan responded: “Frankly, I really do need treatment — I’ve had a cold for about 10 days that just won’t go away. So thank you for your concern about my health.”

● The Bright Armenia party has not nominated a candidate for prime minister in the June 7 elections, but has proposed considering Shirak Diocese head Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan as a candidate for president. According to party leader Edmon Marukyan, with the opposition unable to unite behind a single prime ministerial candidate, the archbishop’s candidacy could serve as a starting point for broader consolidation.

● Yerevan is set to receive 45 new trolleybuses in the near future. A tender has also been announced for the procurement of 170 buses, Mayor Tigran Avinyan said.

● Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee said it has detained a vice-rector of the Armenian State Pedagogical University along with several staff members. They are under investigation on charges including abuse of office, fraud, aiding fraud and document forgery.