Research

Georgian Dream’s anti-western policy: How Iranian companies are using Georgia to bypass sanctions

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HOW IRANIAN COMPANIES ARE USING GEORGIA TO BYPASS SANCTIONS?

Civic IDEA’s latest investigation sheds light on a little-known but deeply troubling dimension of Iran-Georgia relations. The report exposes how Iranian businessmen are using Georgia as a strategic transit point to evade international sanctions and channel funds back to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Our findings reveal that as diplomatic ties between the Georgian Dream government and Iran have grown closer, several Georgian-registered companies have emerged with direct links to Iran’s Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces Logistics Agency.

The investigation also highlights the role of Georgian citizens and businesses who, in collaboration with Iranian partners, are allegedly involved in arms trafficking and high-risk financial operations.

Read the full report for in-depth evidence of the growing national security risks posed by this opaque and dangerous partnership between Tbilisi and Tehran:

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Georgia’s Energy Sector Without Western Support: A Road to Russian Dependence

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“Today, we have decided not to put the issue of opening negotiations with the European Union on the agenda until the end of 2028. We are also refusing any budget grants from the EU until the end of 2028.” 

“We intend not to enter the EU begging and standing on one leg, but to join the EU with dignity, with a functioning democratic system and a strong economy.“ 

With this statement, the Georgian Dream government seeks to downplay the vital role that Western institutions have played in Georgia’s political, economic, educational, and infrastructural development. In reality, by rejecting EU assistance, the government is not only jeopardizing Georgia’s future in the EU’s political and economic structures but also undermining the country’s opportunity to develop in line with European standards. 

To illustrate this, the report analyzes the European Union’s contribution to Georgia’s energy independence. It is based on both quantitative and qualitative assessments of energy-related projects implemented between 2013 and 20241. Stay tuned for upcoming reports on EU assistance in agriculture, education, and other key sectors.

Full Report:

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Russian Occupation Extends to Georgian Skies: Western-Sanctioned Airlines Launch Flights to Sukhumi

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On May 1, Russia commenced direct, regular flights to occupied Abkhazia. According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, UVT Aero operated its first flight from Moscow’s Vnukovo Airport to Sukhumi two days ahead of schedule “due to high demand.”

Flights between Russia and occupied Abkhazia violate both international aviation regulations and the Georgian Constitution:

UVT Aero, which is internationally sanctioned and operates flights to Sokhumi in violation of Georgia’s Law on Occupation, continues to fly to other parts of Georgia as well.

📝 Our new report reveals:

  • How the reconstruction of Sokhumi airport began in 2023;

  • How sanctioned Russian airlines are being granted flight permissions;

  • What kind of threat this precedent poses to Georgia’s sovereignty; and

  • How the Georgian government is involved in this process through its inaction.

Tap to see the full report

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Russia’s Naval Expansion in the Black Sea

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The recent announcement of a Russian naval base in Ochamchire, Abkhazia has intensified concerns about regional security, economic stability, and Georgia’s sovereignty. While Russia claims this expansion is a strategic necessity following Ukrainian attacks on its Black Sea fleet, Georgia and its Western allies see it as a direct violation of international law and a further entrenchment of Russian influence in the South Caucasus and the Black Sea.

Tap to see the full article:

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The Dragon’s Smile: China’s Soft Power in Georgia

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Civic IDEA is pleased to present its latest report, “The Dragon’s Smile: China’s Soft Power in Georgia.”

This report examines China’s soft power influence in Georgia, with a particular focus on Sino-Georgian cultural cooperation. It explores key areas such as the film and theater industries, highlighting the role of Georgian organizations and individuals in fostering cultural ties between the two nations.

The research indicates that alongside the deepening of Sino-Georgian business relations in recent years, cultural exchanges have also intensified. A notable example of this cooperation is the documentary film “Georgia-China – A Third of A Century,” produced by “Georgian Dream” Parliament member Irakli Mezurnishvili and released in January 2025.

Read the full report here: 👇

 

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Georgian Dream’s Surveillance of Protesters through Chinese Cameras

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Civic IDEA’s new report examines the growing use of Chinese surveillance cameras by the ruling Georgian Dream party in various locations, including near the Parliament building, where peaceful demonstrations continue.

In January and February 2025, the Public Safety Command Center 112 significantly increased its procurement of Chinese surveillance cameras, highlighting a rising trend in the use of such technologies to monitor Georgian citizens engaged in protests.

The report underscores key concerns associated with the use of Chinese surveillance technologies, including their implications for human rights violations.

For further details, please refer to the full report below: 👇

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Beijing’s Black Sea Push: A New Maritime Frontier

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Georgia is facing its most acute political crisis. Protests have continued for 106 days, with unwavering demands for new elections. However, as global attention remains fixed on broader security challenges, Georgia is receiving relatively less focus than in previous crises. 

The ruling party, Georgian Dream, sees this as an opportunity to push forward its hidden deals – including the attempted sale of the Anaklia Port to China. Our latest research, Beijing’s Black Sea Push: A New Maritime Frontier, delves into the implications of this shift. With Georgia’s strategic location at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, the Anaklia port is poised to become a crucial hub for China’s Belt and Road Initiative, potentially reshaping regional trade and security dynamics. The consequences for Western engagement, economic leverage, and geopolitical stability are significant. This issue is too important to ignore.

Read our full report to understand how these developments affect Georgia’s future and the broader balance of power in the region:

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FIRST APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING THE COMMON CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY IN THE WB AND EP COUNTRIES

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We are pleased to share with you a discussion paper titled First Approach to Identifying Common Challenges to Democracy in the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership Countries. This paper highlights shared challenges in these regions and provides a foundation for understanding the role of local and international civil society in addressing these issues. Developed through a collaborative effort, the discussion paper is supported by the International Visegrad Fund and Forum 2000’s partnering organizations, including Civic IDEA.

FIRST APPROACH TO IDENTIFYING THE COMMON CHALLENGES TO DEMOCRACY IN THE WB AND EP COUNTRIES Read More »

Guide to Sustainable Policies of Major Financial Institutions

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The guideline, developed by Civic IDEA with the support of CAPS Unlock, provides an in-depth overview of the environmental and social policies adopted by major international financial institutions (IFIs) to promote responsible and sustainable development. It covers the frameworks established by the following IFIs:

World Bank (WB) Asian Development Bank (ADB) European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) European Investment Bank (EIB) Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

The guidebook outlines the policies these institutions require borrowers to follow, ensuring that projects minimize negative impacts on communities and the environment. It emphasizes sustainability by mandating comprehensive risk assessments and the implementation of safeguards to address issues such as biodiversity loss, pollution, and social disruption. A core focus is placed on transparency, stakeholder engagement, and responsible project management throughout the entire development process.

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The Road to Dependency: Chinese Banks Eyeing Georgia

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A new report by Civic IDEA examines a key development stemming from the Sino-Georgian strategic partnership: the potential entry of Chinese banks into the Georgian market.

The report highlights recent meetings between the central banks of Georgia and China, during which the National Bank of Georgia consistently expressed interest in the presence of Chinese state-owned banks in Georgia.

It also addresses the risks and challenges linked to Chinese financial institutions, citing examples of “debt-trap diplomacy” in countries such as Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, and Montenegro.

The Road to Dependency: Chinese Banks Eyeing Georgia Read More »

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