AGP Executive Report

Severe Weather Watch: A new severe thunderstorm and flash-flood risk is back for Sunday, with damaging winds, hail, and localized flooding possible across parts of Georgia and the wider region. Tbilisi Flood Aftermath: Heavy rains this week battered Tbilisi, flooding streets and the airport terminal and triggering landslides—another reminder that extreme weather is hitting Georgia’s cities hard. Green Corridor Push: Georgia’s energy officials are moving to get the Green Corridor project listed as a Project of Mutual Interest, aiming to unlock EU co-financing and strengthen renewable power links across the Black Sea. Green Energy Corridor Budget: The Economy Ministry approved the feasibility work’s next steps and the budget for the “GECO Power Company,” tied to advancing the Green Energy Corridor. Herb Exports: Georgia exported about 1,900 tons of herbs worth $4.5 million in the first half of 2026, with export prices edging up. Waste & Recycling: A free scrap tire recycling event in Georgia will take up to 200 tires per household, targeting illegal roadside dumping and protecting local waterways.

Green Energy Corridor: Georgia’s Economy Ministry says the Green Corridor push is moving toward EU co-financing, with a signed letter to the EU Energy Commissioner to add the project to the Projects of Mutual Interest list—key for funding and investor confidence. Waste & Enforcement: Georgia’s environmental supervision reports 2,664 Waste Management Code violations from Jan 1–Jun 30, 2026, with the biggest share tied to municipal waste pollution and open burning. Flooding in Tbilisi: Heavy rains battered Tbilisi this week, flooding streets and the airport terminal and triggering landslides—another reminder that extreme weather is hitting infrastructure hard. Heat & Storm Risk: Forecasts across Georgia’s region point to dangerous heat with storm chances returning, including severe potential in parts of the wider area. Herb Exports: Georgia exported about 1,900 tons of herbs worth $4.5 million in Jan–Jun 2026, with export prices up slightly year-on-year. Green Corridor Feasibility: Separate reporting notes feasibility work for the Green Energy Corridor is nearing completion, reinforcing momentum behind the renewable electricity route.

Severe Weather in Tbilisi: Heavy rains this week flooded streets and homes, disrupted public transport, triggered landslides, and even let water leak into the airport terminal—prompting calls for faster flood response. Heat Stress Across Georgia: A heat dome is pushing dangerous heat and humidity statewide, with advisories and extreme heat warnings along the coast; forecasters say only scattered afternoon storms may bring brief relief. Green Energy Corridor Push: Georgia’s Economy Ministry says the Green Energy Corridor project is moving toward EU co-financing, with steps to get it listed as a Project of Mutual Interest and budget approvals for GECO Power Company. Waste & Pollution Enforcement: Georgia’s environmental watchdog logged 2,664 Waste Management Code violations in the first half of 2026, with the biggest numbers in Kvemo Kartli and Tbilisi—many tied to municipal waste pollution and illegal burning. Illegal Logging Crackdown: Authorities identified 946 illegal forest use cases in six months, adding pressure on enforcement against forest damage. Agriculture Exports: Georgia exported 1,900 tons of herbs worth $4.5 million in Jan–Jun 2026, with prices up year-on-year. Circular Design Spotlight: A new exhibition in Georgia highlights “afterlife” plastic—turning discarded materials into architectural forms through circular design experiments.

Green Energy Corridor: Georgia’s Energy Ministry says it has moved to secure EU co-financing by preparing the Green Corridor for inclusion on the EU’s Projects of Mutual Interest list, a step tied to the project’s feasibility work and GECO Power Company budget approvals. Waste & Pollution Watch: Georgia’s environmental supervision reported 2,664 Waste Management Code violations in the first half of 2026, with municipal waste pollution and illegal/open burning among the biggest categories, and Tbilisi and Kvemo Kartli leading the counts. Flooding After Storms in Tbilisi: Severe rain battered the capital this week, flooding streets and the airport terminal and disrupting transport, with the mayor pledging action after damage. Heat Stress: Reports highlight dangerous summer heat across Georgia, with extreme heat and humidity and storm chances that may bring only partial relief. Illegal Logging: Georgia detected 946 illegal forest use cases in six months, adding pressure to enforcement and forest protection. Agriculture Exports: Georgia exported about 1,900 tons of herbs worth $4.5 million in Jan–Jun 2026, with export prices up year-on-year. Nuclear & Security Noise (Global): Separate international coverage includes concerns about nuclear risk and new nuclear-sharing drills involving Russia and Belarus, underscoring wider regional security tensions.

Green Corridor Push: Georgia’s Energy Ministry says a joint letter was signed for the Green Corridor to be added to the EU’s Projects of Mutual Interest list—an “essential requirement” for EU co-financing and investor support. Green Energy Corridor Budget: Georgia also reports that ministers approved the GECO Power Company budget and that the Green Energy Corridor feasibility work is nearing completion, with an action plan set for next steps. Storms in Tbilisi: Severe rain this week flooded streets and homes, disrupted transport, triggered landslides, and even let water leak into the airport terminal—renewing pressure to fix stormwater drainage. Waste Enforcement: Georgia logged 2,664 Waste Management Code violations in the first half of 2026, led by municipal waste pollution and illegal/open burning, with Tbilisi and Kvemo Kartli among the worst-hit regions. Illegal Forestry: Inspectors identified 946 illegal forest-use cases in six months, including illegal timber harvesting and sawmill violations, with materials sent to authorities in 110 cases. Air Pollution Checks: 4,575 vehicle emissions violations were recorded across Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and Rustavi from Jan–Jun 2026, as monitoring teams expanded. Heat Risk: Climate-linked extreme heat continues to grip Georgia this week, with advisories warning about dangerous heat and humidity. Herb Exports: Georgia exported 1,900 tons of herbs worth $4.5M in Jan–Jun 2026, with prices up year-on-year. Tire Recycling: A free scrap tire drop-off event is planned in Valdosta/Lowndes County (July 27–Aug 7) to curb illegal roadside dumping.

Green Energy Corridor: Georgia’s Economy Ministry says the 12th ministerial meeting on the “Green Energy Corridor” in Baku approved the main feasibility-study reports and an action plan, with Georgia and partners discussing steps toward EU energy security. Illegal Logging Crackdown: Georgia’s Environmental Supervision Department identified 946 illegal forest-use cases in the first half of 2026, including 711 tied to illegal timber harvesting and transport; inspectors also sealed 36 unregistered sawmills, with the highest violations in Adjara and Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti. Air Pollution Enforcement: 4,575 vehicle emissions violations were recorded in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and Rustavi from Jan 1 to Jun 30, with Tbilisi accounting for 2,699 cases as monitoring continues to curb transport-related pollution. Stormwater & Flooding Debate: Lelo criticizes Tbilisi’s stormwater failures as a sign of corruption and points to repeated rain damage despite recent street reconstruction. Heat Risk: Reports highlight extreme heat and humidity across Georgia’s region, with heat advisories and dangerous “feels like” temperatures pushing residents to limit outdoor exposure and watch for cooling rains. Circular Plastics Showcase: A new exhibition at Reeves House Visual Arts Center explores plastic’s “afterlife,” using reprocessed materials from recycling streams and makerspaces to push circular design ideas.

Heat and health: Georgia is baking under extreme summer heat, with heat advisories and an extreme heat warning pushing heat index values into the 100s for days, raising risks for long outdoor exposure. Illegal logging crackdown: Georgia’s Environmental Supervision Department flagged 946 illegal forest use cases in the first half of 2026, including 711 tied to illegal timber harvesting and transport, plus 36 unregistered sawmills sealed. Air pollution enforcement: Inspectors found 4,575 vehicle emissions violations across Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, and Rustavi from Jan–Jun 2026, with Tbilisi accounting for most cases. Stormwater and accountability: Opposition claims Tbilisi’s drainage failures during rains point to corruption and basic infrastructure gaps, after the city faced flood damage. Green energy push: Georgia’s “Green Energy Corridor” feasibility work is nearing completion after a ministerial meeting in Baku, aiming to move Caspian-region renewable power toward Europe. EU regional connectivity: The EU is discussing with Armenia and Azerbaijan how to support South Caucasus transport links, including humanitarian demining. Occupied Abkhazia alerts: Russian-controlled Abkhazia reported drone-related security alerts and urged residents not to share drone/air-defense information online. Civic space under pressure: Human Rights Watch says new laws and investigations are dismantling independent civil society, including foreign-funding restrictions and “foreign agent” labeling.

Green Energy Corridor: Georgia’s Economy and Sustainable Development Ministry says the feasibility study for the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe “Green Energy Corridor” is nearing completion after the 12th ministerial meeting in Baku, with Georgia’s Mariam Kvrivishvili highlighting renewable energy and grid resilience as priorities. Air Pollution Oversight: The US EPA has proposed weakening air-pollution permitting for “minor sources,” a move that could reduce transparency and public input for diesel backup generators used by expanding data centers in Georgia. Flood Risk in Tbilisi: Heavy rain flooded parts of Tbilisi International Airport, temporarily disrupting arrivals and diverting three flights, while the Tbilisi mayor blamed blocked storm drains and aging drainage infrastructure and said repairs will follow. Waste & Landfills: Georgia plans to build four regional landfills by 2030, a major step that will shape long-term waste management and pollution control. Civic Space & Environment Watch: Human Rights Watch reports new laws and investigations are dismantling independent civil society in Georgia, raising concerns for environmental groups that rely on public participation and oversight.

Flooding in Tbilisi: Heavy rain hit the capital hard, flooding streets and parts of Tbilisi International Airport, with arrivals areas temporarily closed and flights diverted; Mayor Kakha Kaladze blamed blocked storm drains and aging drainage infrastructure, saying repairs will follow. Heat pressure: South Georgia saw heat advisories with heat indexes pushing past 100°F, raising risks of heat illness. Green Energy Corridor: Georgia’s Economy and Sustainable Development Minister Mariam Kvritivishvili backed the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor, saying it will boost renewable power connectivity and regional energy resilience; the 12th ministerial meeting in Baku will map next steps. Waste infrastructure push: The government approved plans for four regional non-hazardous waste disposal facilities plus transfer stations by 2030, aiming to modernize waste management toward international standards. Ancient climate resilience: A new study suggests southern Caucasus hunter-gatherers survived major environmental shifts not just by adapting locally, but by relying on long-distance mobility and social networks.

Flood Risk in Tbilisi: Heavy rain and thunderstorms flooded parts of Tbilisi International Airport, briefly disrupting operations and forcing passenger evacuations; officials say power has been restored and most flights resumed, with only a few diversions. Waste & Pollution Control: Georgia’s government approved plans for four regional non-hazardous waste disposal facilities plus transfer stations by Jan 1, 2030, with the environment ministry overseeing planning and a state waste company handling construction and compliance. Plastic Reduction Delayed: A ban on single-use plastic food containers and cups in public catering was pushed back—containers now from Jan 1, 2027 and cups from July 1, 2027. Heat Pressure: Forecasts warn of dangerous heat with isolated storms, raising risks for health and water/energy demand during the week. Coastal Infrastructure Watch: Anaklia deep-sea port plans move forward under a “Landlord model,” with the state covering core infrastructure and seeking additional budget support for berths and related works.

Waste & Infrastructure: Georgia’s government approved plans for four regional non-hazardous waste disposal facilities plus transfer stations, targeting completion by Jan 1, 2030, with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture overseeing and the state Solid Waste Management Company delivering the projects. Plastic Policy: A planned ban on single-use plastic food containers and cups for public catering was pushed back—containers now from Jan 1, 2027 and cups from July 1, 2027. Port Development: The Anaklia Deep-Sea Port will move forward under the “Landlord” model: the state keeps ownership of core maritime infrastructure, while road/rail links are state-funded and container/bulk terminals are to be financed and built by private operators and international investors. Budget Pressure for Anaklia: Officials say the new Anaklia model requires about $200 million more than previously planned, with negotiations underway with international financial institutions. Illegal Logging: Georgia detected 946 illegal logging cases over six months, according to reporting highlighted in the week’s coverage. Weather & Flooding: Heavy rain and strong winds hit Tbilisi, causing flooding, a fallen tree, and road damage near the Vazha-Pshavela metro area, with unstable conditions expected to continue. Food & Exports: Georgian blueberry exports rose 9% (to 5,200 tons) in the May 1–July 2 period, reaching about $34.2 million, with Russia still the top destination.

Anaklia Port Plan: Georgia’s government says the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port will be built under the “Landlord” model, with the state keeping ownership of core maritime infrastructure while road and rail links are funded publicly and container/bulk terminals are developed by private operators—aiming to turn Anaklia into a hub for Middle Corridor cargo flows. Budget Pressure: Officials also say the new model will require about $200 million more than previously planned, with talks already underway with international financial institutions. Plastic Ban Delayed: Georgia postponed the ban on single-use plastic food containers and cups for public catering, pushing containers to Jan 1, 2027 and cups to July 1, 2027. Illegal Logging Crackdown: Environmental supervision teams reported 946 illegal logging cases in the first half of 2026, including 110 with criminal offenses and 36 sealed unregistered saws. Blueberry Exports Rise: Georgian blueberry exports grew 9% in volume (to 5,200 tons) and 6% in value (to $34.2M) from May 1 to July 2, with Russia still the top buyer. Tourism & Sustainability: Batumi State University opened a conference on “Tourism: challenges and sustainable development,” focusing on sustainable tourism, ecotourism, and destination management.

Plastic Policy Shift: Georgia postponed the ban on single-use plastic food containers and cups for public catering, pushing containers to Jan 1, 2027 and cups to July 1, 2027, after an amendment to the 2022 technical regulations. Port & Environment Watch: The government says the Anaklia Deep-Sea Port will be built under a “Landlord” model, with the state owning and managing core maritime infrastructure while road/rail links are state-funded and container/bulk terminals are handled by international investors—an approach that could reshape coastal impacts and future dredging needs. Storm & Heat Risk: North Georgia remains under heat advisories and periodic thunderstorm warnings, with forecasts pointing to hot, humid days and damaging wind or hail in stronger cells. Sustainable Tourism Push: Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University opened an international conference on tourism and sustainable development, focusing on ecotourism, cultural heritage, and social responsibility. Agri-Exports & Climate Pressure: Georgia’s blueberry exports rose 13% in volume (to 2,200 tonnes) and 12% in value (to $15.7m) for May 1–June 21, but growers still face weather delays and seasonal labor shortages.

Severe Weather & Heat Risk: Georgia is dealing with back-to-back hazards: severe thunderstorm warnings and damaging wind/hail risk across parts of the state, alongside heat advisories running through the weekend, with heat index values pushing into dangerous territory. Sustainable Tourism Education: Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University opened an international conference on “Tourism: challenges and sustainable development,” focusing on sustainable tourism, ecotourism, cultural heritage, and social responsibility. Energy Efficiency in Tbilisi Housing: ENVIROS reviewed Archi Horizon’s thermal-envelope design, highlighting compliance with European energy-efficiency requirements and benefits for residents. Blueberry Exports & Climate Pressure: Georgia’s blueberry exports rose again—5,200 tons worth $34.2 million in the May 1–July 2 period—while growers still face weather-driven harvest delays and labor shortages. Regional Cooperation: Georgia and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership that explicitly includes cooperation on environmental protection and agriculture, alongside trade, health, and education.

Energy Efficiency in Tbilisi: Archi Horizon’s “energy-efficient design” got an independent review by ENVIROS, which says the project’s thermal-envelope performance meets European energy-efficiency requirements—good news for residents and for Georgia’s push toward greener building standards. Agriculture & Exports: Georgia’s blueberry exports keep climbing: from May 1–June 21, 2,200 tonnes worth $15.7m went mainly to Russia (about 95% of shipments), and the wider May 1–July 2 window shows 5,200 tonnes worth $34.2m (+9% in volume). Plastic Policy: Georgia postponed a plastic bottles ban in catering venues until 2031, extending the timeline for waste-reduction rules. Regional Cooperation: Georgia and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership declaration, including memorandums on environmental protection and agriculture—plus plans to boost trade and use Black Sea ports like Poti and Batumi. Weather Risk (Georgia): Heat advisories and severe storm warnings hit Georgia’s wider region, with dangerous heat index values and reports of storm damage in the broader area.

Energy Efficiency in Tbilisi: ENVIROS reviewed Archi Horizon’s Tbilisi apartment project, saying its insulated building design meets European energy-efficiency requirements—good news for lower heating/cooling costs and a more sustainable urban footprint. Climate & Heat Risk: Georgia is facing severe weather and dangerous heat at the same time, with heat advisories running through Saturday evening and thunderstorms bringing lightning, hail, and damaging winds. Agriculture Exports: Georgia’s blueberry exports rose: 5,200 tons worth $34.2 million from May 1–July 2, up 9% in volume year-on-year; Russia stayed the biggest buyer, while EU shipments grew too. Regional Cooperation (Environment included): Georgia and Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership in Tbilisi, with memorandums covering environmental protection and agriculture alongside trade, transport, health, and digital cooperation. UN Climate Transparency: A UN climate update highlights record participation in climate progress reporting, with more countries submitting transparency reports—aimed at making climate action easier to track and compare. Human Rights Watch: The UN Human Rights Council heard concerns about civic space and alleged abuses in Georgia, urging prompt independent investigations—important for public trust in environmental and community policy too.