
Economic development of the municipalities (outside capital) is one of the key sustainable development challenges in Georgia. The capital city of Tbilisi, while accounting for nearly 1/3 of the country’s population generates 50% of GDP and keeps expanding, whereas the municipalities, with few exceptions, are losing population and suffering from high incidence of poverty, unemployment, and slow and weak economic development.

Geostat has published its preliminary estimate of real GDP growth for January 2025, which stands at 11.1%.

Brussels, 12–13 March 2025 – The fifth formal meeting of the European Social Policy Analysis Network (ESPAN) brought together national independent experts and senior officials from the European Commission to engage in a comprehensive review of ongoing EU social policy priorities. In his capacity as National Coordinator of ESPAN and Lead Economist at the ISET Policy Institute, Dr. Davit Keshelava represented Georgia at the meeting.

The Media Polarization Index remained high in February, influenced by restrictive laws that suppress demonstrations, controversial regulations affecting the media, and a Foreign Agents Registration Act-like (FARA) law. In addition, significant events such as a major tragedy in Batumi, heavy snowfall in Guria, and developments in Trump's foreign policy contributed to the polarized environment.

Today Georgia is facing an increasing risk of brain drain. In recent years, Georgia has been experiencing a brain drain, with an increasing number of skilled professionals, young workers, and students leaving the country in search of better economic opportunities and stability. Since independence, the outmigration of Georgians has been mostly driven by economic factors – jobs, higher wages, better working conditions, and career advancement opportunities abroad.