Statement of the International Chamber of Commerce in Georgia regarding the recent developments in the country

The International Chamber of Commerce in Georgia condemns the arbitrary decision of the Russian Federation to stop direct flights from Russia to Georgia, as well as its decision to prohibit specific brands of Georgian wine from being imported into the Russian Federation.

Although those arbitrary sanctions will have a limited impact on our economy, they will still affect many businesses that depend exclusively on Russian tourists or on the Russian market.

Akaki MAMALADZE on production of first electric cars in Caucasus: "Our childhood dreams come true"

Georgia’s capital is suffering from environmental and traffic problems. High tech and business can help, but need investments and government support. AiGroup aims to produce Georgia’s first electric cars for its own car-sharing system, based on its own network of charging stations. Is this revolutionary concept too good to be true? 

14.06.2019 (Caucasian Journal). Caucasian Journal talks with Akaki MAMALADZE, director of AiProduction.

Alexander KAFFKA, editor-in-chief of Caucasian Journal:  When I was a schoolboy, we were sure that in 21st century a gasoline engine would be completely forgotten, and people would use electric vehicles to drive and even fly around. So, we are well into new millennium and still massively use the same petrol car as invented in 19th century. Do you feel you are putting to life a dream cherished by several generations?

Akaki MAMALADZE: Yes, I guess it is right time to desire that our childhood dreams come true. Nowadays electric vehicles (EV) have advanced well, and the global tendency brings more and more EV models to global market. There is a growing competition in car industry, as all prominent companies are making huge investments in research and development aiming at innovative solutions for the customers of electric vehicles. So we think it is right time to act, and take our part in this development process.

The new European institutions should be more vocal in EaP region

If the EU wants to remain a credible actor in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine it must re-commit to the support of the democratic development of these countries, says Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum

13.06.2019 (Press Release) With the new European Parliament settling in and the discussions on the new Commission following suit, the EU’s management of its foreign relations and its financing – will be affected by internal changes. If the EU wants to remain a credible actor in the countries covered by the EU’s Eastern Partnership Policy – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine – it must re-commit to the support of the democratic development of these countries, says Eastern Partnership Civil Society Forum (EaP CSF). 

10 years anniversary of the Eastern Partnership: Interview with Dirk WIESE

03.06.2019. Almost exactly ten years after the establishment of the Eastern Partnership, Dirk WIESE, Member of German Bundestag (parliament) and German government's Coordinator for Russia, Central Asia and the Eastern Partnership countries, visited Georgia from 13 to 15 May 2019. He participated in the South Caucasus Security Forum, one of most important foreign and security policy conferences in the key strategic region of the South Caucasus. Speaking to Caucasus Watch, Dirk WIESE gave a detailed account of his impressions from his visit to Georgia and the current situation and prospects of the Eastern Partnership in the South Caucasus in general.

Are there any ideas for new initiatives regarding Georgia's EU and NATO integration, which you discussed during your visit with Georgian officials?

The Euro-Atlantic orientation and ambition of Georgia have been clearly portrayed by all of my interlocutors. At the same time, they expressed their understanding that there is currently no concrete prospect of accession to NATO or the EU for Georgia.