AGP Executive Report

Jazz & Culture in Batumi: TBC Concept is presenting the 19th Black Sea Jazz Festival (July 10–12) with a Miles Davis centennial tribute, plus Eric Benét and Ghost-Note, at the Batumi Tennis Courts. Music & Sound in Tbilisi: Maiklang Festival (May 28–31) turned Tbilisi into a “laboratory of contemporary sound,” focusing on songwriting as a living cultural practice. Classical Spotlight: The Polish Baltic Frédéric Chopin Philharmonic made its Tbilisi debut at the Opera and Ballet Theater, pairing Baltic and Caucasus musical dialogues. Real Estate & Tourism: Archi and NEXT unveiled the $300m Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort in Kobuleti, while Rotana signed its first ski resort deal in Gudauri. Business & Tech: TBC supported the opening of the M25 premium office complex in Mtatsminda, and an AI expert talk in Tbilisi highlighted practical business uses of the technology. Sports: RAF is bringing UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan to Tbilisi for a July 11 bout, with more RAF dates stacked for him.

Local Business & Tech: eVoost AI has signed an exclusive commercialization deal with Georgia’s Mardi Holding to market Batumi’s Mardi Hills and Mardi Aquapark internationally, using AI for demand generation and lead qualification. Arts & Film: Georgian director Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Cannes Grand Prix winner “Minotaur” is framed as a personal response to Russia’s war and his refusal to return. Sports (Georgia): Real American Freestyle (RAF) is bringing its first international event to Tbilisi on July 11, headlined by Merab Dvalishvili vs. Henry Cejudo, with Olympic champions also on the card. Sports (Georgia): Dinamo Tbilisi mourns former Europa League hat-trick scorer Jaba Dvali, who reportedly died after a heart attack. Culture & Community: Batumi opened Georgia’s first Youth Olympic Festival on June 3, with about 1,200 athletes competing across 17 sports. Civic Life: Georgia’s Foreign Ministry has moved into the former Saakashvili-era presidential palace in Tbilisi’s Avlabari district.

Sports & Culture in Georgia: RAF is going global with its first international event in Tbilisi on July 11, headlined by Merab Dvalishvili vs Henry Cejudo, with Arman Tsarukyan also on the card—Georgia’s wrestling scene gets a major spotlight. Youth Sports: Batumi opened Georgia’s first Youth Olympic Festival on June 3, bringing about 1,200 athletes across 17 sports. Entertainment Pop Culture: “Love Island USA” Season 8 newcomer Kenzie Annis is trending for comparisons to Sydney Sweeney’s “Euphoria” character Cassie Howard. Film & Arts: Local feature film “Set Free” is set to debut on the red carpet this weekend. Music News: Legendary R&B singer Peabo Bryson has died at 75 after a stroke. Regional Spotlight: Bahrain’s men’s national team began a training camp in Tbilisi ahead of friendlies vs Georgia and Syria.

Transport & Trade: Georgia’s upgraded Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway is now in full operation after modernization of the Georgian segment, boosting annual freight capacity fivefold from 1 million to 5 million tonnes and strengthening the Middle Corridor as a key Eurasian route. Local Business & Culture: WedIQ’s World Wedding Week wrapped up with 24 speakers from Georgia and beyond, spotlighting a growing global wedding ecosystem built around education, tech, media, and networking. Sports (Georgia on the pitch): Georgia’s national team begins a friendly double-header against Romania at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, with the match serving as a fresh test after a tough run of results. Arts & Heritage: New research highlights 4,000-year-old megalithic art from Georgian Bronze Age kurgans, suggesting the carved stone panels may have been used for ritual “messages” and community communication. International Sports (Georgia in the mix): FIBA U18 EuroBasket Division B 2026 in Rijeka & Opatija lists Georgia among the Division B teams, with the tournament running July 24–August 2.

Tbilisi Financial Summit: Georgia will host the Tbilisi Financial Summit on Oct. 27-28, bringing together central bank governors and fintech leaders to discuss regional economic corridors, open banking, and AI—plus a planned hackathon to turn ideas into projects. Wine & Culture: National Wine Day wrapped up with a gala at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre, celebrating 8,000 years of Georgian winemaking through a themed musical-theatrical performance. Media & AI Training: AccessBank and Neurotime ran a hands-on workshop for media on “Artificial Intelligence and Next-Generation Journalism,” covering responsible AI use, crisis communication, and practical tools. Film & Screenings: French Institute of Georgia returns “Cinema Under the Stars” to Tbilisi (June 4–July 30), with free outdoor Thursday screenings at the French Embassy grounds. Black Sea Real Estate: Archi and NEXT announced Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort in Kobuleti, with pre-sales starting June 3 and sea-view apartments plus hotel amenities. International Arts: Georgian director Kharebava’s take on cinema and a local feature film “Set Free” are among the week’s entertainment highlights.

Tbilisi Arts & Culture: Georgia’s government unsealed Josef Stalin’s 40,000-bottle wine vault in Tbilisi, setting up an auction and plans for a wine education school. Local Entertainment & Music: The 12th “Sail of Hope” bard festival will bring singer-songwriters from Armenia and neighboring countries to Georgia for its July 17–19 run. Tech & Education: Christian Turner trained staff at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs in Tbilisi on building an AI policy framework for universities. Sports & Screen Culture: A Georgia vs Romania friendly is listed for June 2, while global film coverage highlights Marilyn Monroe at 100 and a TCM lineup featuring “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Public Life: Tbilisi City Court ordered pre-trial detention for two people charged with espionage. Business & Tourism: Archi and NEXT announced a Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort hotel-residential complex with pre-sales starting June 3. Weather Alert: Severe thunderstorm warnings hit west Georgia, with damaging winds and possible hail.

Espionage Case in Tbilisi: Tbilisi City Court ordered pre-trial detention for Gulbaat Rtskhiladze and Irakli Chikhladze on espionage charges, with prosecutors alleging intelligence work for two foreign special services; both deny the allegations and face up to 12 years. Stalin’s Wine Vault Unsealed: Georgia opened Josef Stalin’s famed 40,000-bottle wine collection in Tbilisi for the first time, ahead of an auction meant to fund a wine education school. Green Energy Corridor Talk: Georgia is considering a green hydrogen pipeline alongside an electricity cable as part of regional energy connectivity, with officials linking the plan to stability and cooperation. Black Sea Resort Deal: Archi and NEXT, with Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort, announced a premium hotel-residential complex in Kobuleti, with pre-sales set to begin June 3. Digital Governance Education: TSU hosted a presentation of “Digital Governance and Law Technologies,” focusing on AI regulation and updates needed for Georgian law and education. Football Friendlies: Bahrain’s national team resumed preparations for friendlies against Georgia in Tbilisi and Syria in Antalya.

Fashion & Design: LSAD’s first student fashion show in nine years wowed in Limerick, with graduates’ collections ranging from tributes to grandmothers to pieces rooted in local history—an upbeat reminder that style is identity, not just decoration. World Cup 2026: A visual guide spotlights stadiums across the host trio, including Vancouver’s BC Place and its distinctive cable-supported retractable roof. Film & Festivals: Shanghai Film Festival revealed its Golden Goblet main competition lineup, with all 12 entries in the section’s top race set as world premieres. Georgia Spotlight (Arts): A Georgian director, Kharebava, says cinema should sit “above all emotion,” while Tbilisi’s art scene keeps moving with fairs and city exhibitions. Sports (Georgia link): Champions League final coverage put Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s PSG impact in focus as Arsenal’s bid ended on penalties. Local Events: East Central Georgia’s entertainment calendar lists this week’s Brews & Board Games in Augusta (June 1). Tbilisi Protests: Thousands rallied in Tbilisi demanding EU integration and new elections, with opposition leaders calling for a fresh mandate. Security: Georgia’s State Security Service announced espionage arrests, including figures tied to media and civic groups.

EU Integration Protests: Thousands marched in Tbilisi demanding EU integration and new elections, with opposition leaders calling for a fresh mandate and urging the release of people arrested after earlier unrest. Pop Culture & Music: Kanye West kicked off his first European tour in 11 years with a reported 118,000-strong Istanbul show, while his Italy festival date was canceled over public safety concerns tied to local Jewish community objections. Cinema Spotlight: Georgian director Giorgi Kharebava says “cinema is above all emotion,” sharing his approach to filmmaking and what he hopes to find at the Golden Linden festival jury. Sports (Champions League): PSG defended their Champions League title, beating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia starring for the Georgians in the final. Local Arts & Community: A Summer Reading 2026 program themed around dinosaurs and archaeology is rolling out across libraries in Georgia’s Walker and Dade counties. Public Safety/Health: A hunger-striking prisoner transferred from Batumi to Vivamedi in Tbilisi has fallen into a coma, with family alleging medical negligence.

Champions League Final (Budapest): PSG and Arsenal are locked 1-1 and the match has gone to extra-time, with Kai Havertz scoring early and Ousmane Dembélé equalizing from the spot; Local Film Spotlight: Georgian director Giorgi Kharebava says “cinema is above all emotion,” sharing his approach to filmmaking and his current feature and short projects ahead of the Golden Linden jury role; Prison Health Crisis: A hunger-striking prisoner transferred from Batumi to Tbilisi’s Vivamedi clinic has fallen into a coma, with family alleging negligence; Tragedy in Tbilisi: An Indian MBBS student missing since May 14 has been found dead in the Mtkvari River, with authorities opening a case under incitement-to-suicide; Espionage Crackdown: Georgia’s State Security Service announced two separate arrests on spying allegations, including a Kremlin-linked NGO head; Sports Medicine in Batumi: Adjara hosted an international sports medicine conference, highlighting training and regional capacity-building; Food & Culture Calendar: Tbilisi Gastro Week 2026 is set for June 31-May 7 with major international chefs and wine events, plus East Central Georgia’s June entertainment listings.

EU Foreign Policy: EU High Representative Kaja Kallas says Russian troop presence in Georgia and Moldova is a direct security risk, while PM Irakli Kobakhidze pushes for “concrete action” over statements. Georgian Wine & Culture: A new enoteca opened in Tbilisi at the historic Wine Factory No. 1, featuring up to 20,000 collectible bottles aged over 200 years, including rare 19th–20th century stock tied to famous historical collections. Film & TV Industry: Georgia signed the Council of Europe Convention on Co-Production of Audiovisual Works in the form of series, aiming to make it easier for local independent producers to collaborate with European partners. Arts & Festivals: Beldocs 2026 in Belgrade named “The Thing to Be Done” best film in the international competition, while Georgia’s own creative scene keeps buzzing with Tbilisi art fair coverage and local cultural events. Sports & Entertainment: Tbilisi Gastro Week 2026 (May 31–June 7) returns in partnership with Studio Liberty, bringing top international chefs and wine tastings to spotlight Georgian gastronomy. Local Courts: Zurab Menteshashvili was sentenced to nine months for blocking Rustaveli Avenue again.

Stalin’s Wine Vault: Georgia unsealed Josef Stalin’s 40,000-bottle collection in Tbilisi and plans an auction to fund a new wine education school, with bottles dating back to the early 1800s and including rare French and Georgian vintages. EU Audiovisual Deal: Georgia signed the Council of Europe convention on co-production of TV series, aiming to help independent producers attract investment and collaborate with European platforms. Beldocs Winners: The Beldocs International Documentary Film Festival 2026 named Srđan Kovačević’s The Thing to Be Done Best Film in the international competition, with Sunset taking top honors in the Serbian competition. Tbilisi Enoteca Opens: A new enoteca opened at “Wine Factory No. 1,” featuring up to 20,000 collectible bottles, including 200+ year-aged wines and items tied to historical figures. Local Justice: Zurab Menteshashvili was sentenced to nine months in prison for re-blocking Rustaveli Avenue. Police Abuse Update: Papuna Lotsulashvili, allegedly assaulted by police in Gori, was transferred to a Tbilisi clinic after his condition worsened. Tech & Connectivity: Geostat reports 94.9% of enterprises had internet access in 2025, while the NBG was recognized for innovation support at major fintech forums. Sports & Culture: Tbilisi hosted an exhibition honoring sculptor Rusudan Gachechiladze, and Georgia’s Champions League final buzz spotlighted Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s role for PSG.

Independence Day Protests: Thousands filled Tbilisi for Europe on Georgia’s Independence Day, with an opposition march from TSU to Rustaveli Avenue and pro-EU rallies across the city, as organizers said they were blocked from using sound equipment. Police Assault Case: In Gori, Papuna Lotsulashvili—reportedly assaulted by officers—was transferred to a Tbilisi clinic after his condition worsened, with investigators detaining six officers. Money & Media: The National Bank of Georgia and Caucasus International University launched a documentary series on the history of Georgian money, set for distribution to 50 schools. Energy & Transit: Kazakhstan is weighing the Baku-Supsa pipeline as an export route while noting reduced exports tied to field output and transport limits; meanwhile, NATO warns Russia’s hybrid war is targeting Europe’s energy grid. Arts & Culture: Art Basel Paris announced 206 exhibitors for 2026, returning to the Grand Palais, while Tbilisi Art Fair 2026 highlights the city’s post-Soviet creative scene. Sports Spotlight: Georgia’s rhythmic gymnastics star Nita Jamagidze won the clubs title at the European Championships in Varna; chess action continues in Batumi.

Politics & EU-Russia Tensions: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze hit back at EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, saying statements about Russian troop withdrawal from Georgia and Moldova must be backed by consistent actions that protect Georgia’s national interests. Sports (Local Spotlight): In Batumi, Estonian chess player Mai Narva surged into the European Women’s Chess Championship top three after a third straight win. Arts & Culture (International): Art Basel Paris announced 206 exhibitors for its 2026 edition at the Grand Palais, running Oct 23–25, with preview days Oct 21–22. Health & Community: A Georgia summer guide urged families to keep kids active with camps and learning programs, while Adjara’s health minister Nino Nizharadze attended a nurses’ recognition event in Batumi. Public Safety: A beverage recall linked to salmonella expanded to 25 U.S. states, including Georgia. Human Rights (Gori Case): Lawyer says Papuna Lotsulashvili, allegedly assaulted by police in Gori, has been transferred to the VivaMedi clinic for urgent care and injury checks. Politics (Armenia): Mikheil Saakashvili urged Armenian voters not to “repeat Georgia’s mistake,” warning against backing Samvel Karapetyan’s party in June 7 elections.

EU Diplomacy: Kaja Kallas warned EU states not to let Russia dictate “who” negotiates, saying the bloc should first agree on the substance of its demands on Ukraine. Real Estate Watch: Colliers Georgia reported stable growth signals in Tbilisi’s office market, with 52 business centres and major supply under construction concentrated around Saburtalo. Rail & Trade Debate: Robert Kocharyan questioned Armenia’s Kars–Akhalkalaki railway prospects, arguing the route adds distance and may not deliver clear benefits for exports. Courtroom Update: A Georgia appeals panel ordered a new trial in a highway collision case, citing improper jury instructions on “sudden emergency.” Legal Rights: A Georgia attorney urged a federal judge to keep a bias class action alive, saying the State Bar can’t hide behind immunity. Arts & Film Industry: Beldocs Industry Days in Belgrade named a Georgian documentary project, “Ip Dip Sky Blue,” among pitching winners. Sports/Entertainment: Georgia’s Independence Day protests and major TV/scheduling announcements also kept the week busy, from football kickoff times to big public events.

Independence Day Protests in Tbilisi: Thousands of Georgians hit the streets on May 26, waving Georgian and EU flags and chanting “Freedom,” as they accuse the ruling Georgian Dream of democratic backsliding and pushing the country away from Europe; rallies outside parliament came amid heavy police presence and renewed calls to restart the long-running protest push after EU talks were shelved until 2028. UNESCO Creative Cities: Tbilisi hosted the UNESCO Creative Cities Network Media Arts subgroup meeting (May 27–29), bringing together representatives from 20+ cities to discuss the future of media art, digital creativity, and international cultural cooperation. Media & Arts Spotlight: IARTES inaugurated the collective exhibition “Dialogues, Transits, Miradas” in Venezuela, featuring seven artists and works tackling everyday life, violence, and alienation—highlighting female participation in contemporary visual arts. Tech & Travel Buzz: Sky Mobile UK doubled its roaming destinations to 120 for £2 a day, while a Wizz Air “Let’s Get Lost” trip revealed Yerevan on landing, complete with Armenian music and dance at the airport.