AGP Executive Report

Wine & Pesticides Reform: Georgia’s parliament approved amendments to the “Law on Vine and Wine,” tightening rules for small wine cellars (cutting the annual production cap from 40,000 to 25,000 liters) and redefining “home wine” as “natural wine,” which must be produced without systemic pesticides, herbicides, or other synthetic chemicals; certified alcohol must also be labeled, and most wine categories face mandatory organoleptic testing. Urban Greening: Tbilisi’s Urban Forest Project reached a final stage, signaling continued push for more green space in the capital. Black Sea Development Pressure: A $300 million Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort is moving ahead on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, with pre-sales opened—another major tourism and construction push that raises the stakes for coastal environmental safeguards. Regional Energy Shift (Georgia-linked): Azerbaijan plans eight new solar plants and a large wind farm by 2027, reinforcing the broader regional move toward lower-carbon power that Georgia’s energy corridor plans will likely interact with. ADB Capacity-Building: The Asian Development Bank is considering a regional “Center of Excellence” initiative that includes Georgia, aiming to strengthen institutional and technical capacity with a proposed $1 million budget.

Wine Policy Shift: Georgia’s parliament approved amendments to the “Law on Vine and Wine,” cutting the “small wine cellar” annual production cap from 40,000 to 25,000 liters and redefining “home wine” as “natural wine,” with stricter rules against systemic pesticides and synthetic chemicals; certified drinks must also be labeled and most wine categories face mandatory organoleptic testing. Black Sea Development: A $300 million Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort is moving ahead on the Black Sea coast, with pre-sales opened and construction formally presented in Kobuleti—another push to position Kobuleti as a premium resort destination. Regional Cooperation: Georgia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan signed an Istanbul declaration after their 10th trilateral foreign ministers meeting, pledging deeper cooperation on security, transport, energy, trade, and climate action, including the Middle Corridor and Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway. Energy Transition Watch: Azerbaijan unveiled plans for eight new solar plants and a 250 MW wind farm by 2027, with several large solar projects scheduled before end-2026—part of a broader renewables pivot. Air Quality & Monitoring: Georgia continues strengthening air quality monitoring infrastructure, signaling tighter oversight as development accelerates.

Black Sea & Regional Climate/Infrastructure: Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia’s foreign ministers signed the Istanbul Declaration after their 10th trilateral meeting, pledging deeper cooperation on transport, energy, trade, and “climate action,” with special focus on the Middle Corridor and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway—moves that can reshape regional emissions and logistics patterns. Renewables Push: Azerbaijan says it plans to commission eight new solar plants and a 250 MW wind farm by end-2027, with several large solar projects online before 2026—an energy shift that could cut regional air pollution if grid and permitting keep pace. Water Stewardship in Georgia: Google announced support for wetlands restoration in Georgia’s Flint River basin via Ducks Unlimited, aiming to replenish more water than it uses by 2030—good news for biodiversity and water quality where data-center growth raises local pressure. Coastal Development Watch: Archi and NEXT unveiled a $300m Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort, with construction and pre-sales starting—another Black Sea tourism push that will need strong environmental safeguards. Policy & Oversight: The U.S. House passed a bill requiring a report on Russian and Chinese influence in Georgia and a 5-year strategy—indirectly affecting how environmental and infrastructure projects may be financed and monitored.

Water Stewardship: Google says it’s funding wetlands restoration in Georgia’s Flint River basin via Ducks Unlimited, aiming to replenish more water than it uses by 2030 and improve water quality where it operates. Regional Connectivity & Climate/Environment: Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia reaffirmed the Istanbul Declaration in Istanbul, pushing transport and energy links like the Middle Corridor and Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway—moves that can reshape regional emissions and land use, even as they frame “climate action” as part of cooperation. Black Sea Coastal Development: A $300m Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort is moving into pre-sales and construction planning on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, raising the stakes for coastal ecosystems, water demand, and habitat protection. Public Input on Restoration: The public can review and comment on a draft restoration plan and environmental assessment tied to a Flat Creek natural resource damage process, a reminder that damage claims can drive real cleanup work. Policy Watch: The U.S. House passed the Countering China’s Control of the Caucasus Act, requiring a 5-year strategy and a classified report on Russian/Chinese influence in Georgia—likely to affect how environmental and infrastructure projects are financed and monitored.

Trilateral diplomacy with climate and connectivity on the agenda: Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia’s foreign ministers met in Istanbul and signed the “Istanbul Declaration,” pledging deeper cooperation on security, transport, energy, trade, science, and “climate action,” while pointing to the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway as key links for regional development. Urban nature in Tbilisi: The “Tbilisi Urban Forest” project is in its final stage, restoring about 700 hectares of green recreational space, including work on Mtatsminda slopes and forest cover near Turtle Lake, with new wells set up for irrigation. Water stewardship funding in Georgia: Google says it will fund wetlands restoration in Georgia’s Flint River basin through Ducks Unlimited as part of a broader push to replenish more water than it uses by 2030. Heritage under climate pressure (Armenia, regional relevance): Archaeologists are working at the Arakelots monastery complex, flagged as one of Europe’s most endangered monuments, where excessive rainfall, mudslides, and vegetation are threatening preservation.

Urban Greening in Tbilisi: The “Tbilisi Urban Forest” project is in its final stage, restoring 700 hectares of green recreational space, including work on Mtatsminda slopes and forest cover near Turtle Lake, with new wells added for irrigation. Regional Connectivity & Environment: Georgia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan reaffirmed their trilateral cooperation in Istanbul and signed the Istanbul Declaration, with repeated emphasis on stability and connectivity projects like the Middle Corridor—key for trade routes that also shape regional environmental pressures. Middle Corridor Momentum: A logistics expert says the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor” is entering a strategic development phase, arguing that long-term sustainability depends on both infrastructure and workforce capacity. Water & Wetlands Support: Google pledged $1M for conservation in South Georgia, funding wetland restoration near the Flint River Wildlife Management Area amid broader backlash over data centers’ water use. Pollution Watch (Abroad): A jet fuel spill at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson airport is reported as the third spill this year, raising concerns about contamination downstream and potential legal action. Biodiversity Note: Georgia’s deep cave heritage is highlighted by reports that the world’s deepest caves include Veryovkina and Krubera-Voronya in Abkhazia.

Urban Greening in Tbilisi: The “Tbilisi Urban Forest” project is in its final stage, restoring 700 hectares of green recreational space, including work on Mtatsminda slopes and forest cover near Turtle Lake, with new wells installed for irrigation. Regional Sustainability Exchange: Tbilisi hosted the 16th Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, where Georgia’s leadership tied sustainable development to peace, energy security, and greener urban reforms. Municipal-to-Municipal Cooperation: Azerbaijani city officials met Tbilisi leaders during the forum to share practical experience on sustainable city development and plan future cooperation. Water & Climate Action: UNDP marked World Environment Day by highlighting community and circular-economy efforts across Georgia, including solar and rainwater-fed irrigation support in western municipalities. Biodiversity & Land Use: A Georgia-focused report highlights the spread of invasive species and the growing ecological and economic risks they pose as climates shift. Nature Wonder (Local Link): A science explainer notes that Georgia’s Abkhazia is home to two of the world’s deepest caves, Veryovkina and Krubera-Voronya.

Armenia Election & Regional Peace: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinian defended his push for peace with Azerbaijan after voting in June 7 parliamentary elections, with the race framed as a referendum on Armenia’s direction between the EU/US and Russia. South Caucasus Diplomacy: Türkiye, Georgia and Azerbaijan will hold a trilateral foreign ministers meeting in Istanbul, with transit, energy security and regional stability on the agenda. Georgia Sustainability in Practice: UNDP, with EU and Denmark support, highlighted community-led green steps in western Georgia—solar power, rainwater drip irrigation and circular economy efforts—on World Environment Day. Tbilisi Forum on Sustainable Development: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze opened the 16th Tbilisi Regional Forum, linking sustainable development to peace, energy security and greener urban reforms. Energy Corridor, With a Green Twist: Georgia is again discussed as pursuing a green hydrogen pipeline alongside broader regional energy plans, while BTK rail upgrades and capacity boosts continue to shape connectivity. Caves & Biodiversity Curiosity: A new report points to Georgia’s Abkhazia caves (Veryovkina and Krubera-Voronya) among the world’s deepest, underscoring the region’s unique natural heritage.

Sustainable Development in Tbilisi: Georgia’s 16th Regional Forum on Sustainable Development opened in Tbilisi with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stressing that progress means more than growth figures—linking sovereignty, energy security, hydropower’s role, innovation, and sustainable urban reforms to long-term well-being. Circular Economy Push: On World Environment Day, UNDP (with the EU and Denmark) highlighted community-led sustainability in Khobi and Poti, including solar panels and a rainwater-fed greenhouse irrigation system for a daycare center—practical steps that cut costs and model greener local development. Green Finance & Energy Efficiency: AccessBank completed an independent energy audit for an Azerbaijan project supported by the Global Climate Partnership Fund, confirming up to 30% energy savings and potential green-asset alignment. Data Centers, Water, and Backlash: Google pledged $1M for wetland restoration in South Georgia near a data center, as the company faces growing public concern over water use and data-center impacts. Weather Watch: A weekend-to-Monday shift brings humidity and spotty showers, with storms possible—raising the stakes for flood-ready planning.

Sustainable Development in Tbilisi: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze opened the 16th Tbilisi Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, stressing that progress must be measured by well-being, energy security, and sustainable urban reforms—not just growth figures. Green Energy Corridor: Georgia is considering adding a green hydrogen pipeline alongside a planned Black Sea electricity cable to strengthen regional energy links and export clean gas. Local Sustainability & Circular Economy: UNDP, with EU and Denmark support, highlighted community-led projects in Khobi and Poti—solar panels, a greenhouse with rainwater drip irrigation, and other practical steps turning sustainability into everyday benefits. Air & Water Pollution Watch: Georgia’s neighbors saw major environmental alerts too: a jet fuel spill at Atlanta airport raised legal concerns, and invasive species are spreading as warming destabilizes ecosystems. Energy Infrastructure Boost: Georgia marked completion of the upgraded BTK railway section, raising freight capacity on a key Middle Corridor rail link.

Sustainable Development in Tbilisi: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze opened the 16th Tbilisi Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, arguing that progress must be measured by well-being, energy security, and sustainable urban reforms—not just growth figures. Green Energy Corridor Plans: Georgia is weighing a green hydrogen pipeline alongside a Black Sea electricity cable to strengthen regional energy links and export clean energy. Local Circular Economy Push: UNDP marked World Environment Day by highlighting community projects in Khobi and Poti—solar power, rainwater drip irrigation, and greenhouse upgrades—supported through EU- and Denmark-funded circular economy and greening initiatives. Invasive Species Warning: A new report flags invasive species as a growing threat to Georgia’s wider region, with knock-on risks for agriculture, freshwater systems, and wildfire intensity as climates shift. Data Center Water Backlash (US, but relevant): Google pledged $1M for wetlands restoration near a South Georgia data center, as public concern grows over industrial water use and cooling demands.

Circular Economy in Action: UNDP, with the EU and Denmark, marked World Environment Day by backing community-led sustainability in western Georgia—solar panels and a rainwater-fed greenhouse in Khobi, plus other local green initiatives in Khobi and Poti. Green Energy Corridor Plans: Georgia is exploring a green hydrogen pipeline running alongside a proposed Black Sea electricity cable, aiming to boost regional energy security and export clean gas and power. Sustainable Development Forum in Tbilisi: The 16th Regional Forum on Sustainable Development opened in Tbilisi, with regional officials and international speakers discussing how to turn sustainability into real socio-economic well-being. Transport With Climate Implications: Georgia completed upgrades on its section of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, raising freight capacity to 5 million tonnes a year—an important shift for the Middle Corridor’s emissions footprint and logistics. Energy Finance for Efficiency: AccessBank commissioned an independent energy audit for a CHP-linked project, confirming up to 30% energy savings and potential green asset alignment. Local Governance Message: Tbilisi Mayor Kaladze reiterated that sustainable development is about citizens’ well-being, not just statistics.

Air Quality Upgrade: Georgia is expanding its atmospheric air quality monitoring with a new automatic station in Tazakandi and plans for 9 more stations by year-end, backed by an EU-funded UN programme and aimed at better data for cleaner air actions. Sustainable Development Forum: Tbilisi hosted the 16th Regional Forum on Sustainable Development, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stressing that progress must include peace, security, education, innovation, and people-centered policy. Green Energy Corridor Plan: Georgia is considering adding a green hydrogen pipeline alongside a planned Black Sea electricity cable to strengthen regional energy links and export clean gas with electricity. Transport & Emissions Pressure: The upgraded Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway is now in full operation, boosting Georgia’s freight capacity on the Middle Corridor from 1 million to 5 million tonnes a year—good for logistics, but a reminder that growth needs cleaner transport planning. Circular Economy Push: EU “Georgia Goes Green” is bringing a Repair & Reuse Day to Tbilisi on June 14, promoting repair, reuse, and second-hand buying with recycling drop-offs. Tourism Footprint: A $300 million Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort project was officially presented, signaling more Black Sea development and jobs—alongside the need for careful environmental safeguards.

Air Quality Watch: Georgia is expanding its atmospheric air monitoring network with a new automatic station in Tazakandi, and plans 9 more stations by year-end, backed by an EU-funded program with UN agencies and the Austrian Environment Agency. Green Energy Corridor: Georgia is considering adding a green hydrogen pipeline alongside a planned Black Sea electricity cable to strengthen regional energy security and export clean gas. Transport & Emissions: The World Bank approved a $372m TC-GATE project to upgrade Georgia’s rail and road links on the Trans-Caspian corridor, including energy-efficient electric locomotives, aiming to cut bottlenecks and logistics costs. Rail Boost: Work on the Georgian section of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway is complete, raising freight capacity on the key 180km stretch from 1m to 5m tonnes a year. Circular Economy Push: A Repair & Reuse Day event will be held in Tbilisi on June 14 to promote repair, second-hand goods, and recycling of paper/cardboard and aluminum. Wildlife Safety: A wild bear attack on a tourist’s car in Romania highlights the risks of feeding wildlife near popular “bear pass” roads. Tourism Pressure: Georgia’s Black Sea resort push continues with the $300m Swissôtel Kobuleti Beach Resort project unveiled, raising the stakes for sustainable coastal planning.

EBRD Leadership in Tbilisi: Tomas Kairys was appointed head of the EBRD Caucasus office, effective Sept. 1, 2026, overseeing all EBRD work across the region. Middle Corridor Push: The World Bank approved $372m for the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor—Georgia Accessibility and Transport Enhancement (TC-GATE), targeting rail/road upgrades, institutional reforms, and energy-efficient locomotives to cut bottlenecks and logistics costs for 900,000+ people. BTK Railway Fully Operational: Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan marked full-capacity operations on the upgraded Baku–Tbilisi–Kars line, with capacity expected to rise to 5m tonnes/year after modernization. World Bicycle Day in Georgia: A mass bike ride in Tbilisi and Mtskheta promoted cycling as an environmentally friendly sport and a culture of active, responsible leisure. Plastic Recycling Milestone: PureCycle and StackTeck produced a living hinge cap using up to 100% recycled polypropylene resin, pushing sustainable packaging performance forward. Georgia’s Green Hydrogen Talk: Georgia is considering a green hydrogen pipeline alongside a Black Sea cable as part of its energy corridor plans.

Transport & Climate-Linked Infrastructure: The World Bank approved $372 million for Georgia’s Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor upgrade (TC-GATE), aiming to modernize rail and road links, cut logistics bottlenecks, and add energy-efficient electric locomotives—projected to directly benefit about 900,000 people and support “sustainable” regional connectivity. Rail Corridor Expansion: The upgraded Baku–Tbilisi–Kars (BTK) railway moved into full operation after modernization on Georgia’s Marabda–Kartsakhi section, boosting annual freight capacity from 1 million to 5 million tonnes and strengthening the Middle Corridor. Energy Transition Planning: Georgia is weighing a “green hydrogen” pipeline alongside a Black Sea submarine power cable as part of a Green Energy Corridor, with a planned 4,000 MW electricity export link. Renewables Cooperation: The EU is prioritizing renewable energy cooperation with Azerbaijan and interconnectors to diversify supply and improve energy security. Agri-Food & Forest Sustainability: Georgia’s environment minister met Azerbaijan officials at CASPIAN AGRO 2026, while discussions also highlighted exchanging experience on environmental protection and sustainable forest management. Plastic Recycling Milestone: PureCycle and StackTeck say they produced a living hinge cap using up to 100% recycled polypropylene resin, signaling progress for higher-performance recycled packaging.