In November 2023, Georgian power plants generated 1,003 mln. kWh of electricity (Figure 1). This represents an 11% decrease in the total generation compared to the previous year (in November 2022, the total generation was 1,131 mln. kWh). The fall in the generation on a yearly basis comes from a decrease in thermal and wind power generation by 27%, and 13%, respectively, while the generation of hydropower plants increased by 1%.
In December 2023, the average cost of preparing one standard Imeretian khachapuri experienced a slight increase, reaching 6.48 GEL. This signifies a 0.2% rise compared to November 2023 and a noteworthy -7.3% decrease compared to December 2022.
In an online international panel discussion hosted on December 22 at 2 PM, the ISET Policy Institute delved into the economic implications of Georgia being granted EU candidate status. The event, titled 'What economic benefits should Georgia expect after receiving EU candidate status?' sought to address the question that has captured broad professional and public interest since the historic decision on December 14.
On December 20, ReforMeter and the USAID Economic Governance Program hosted a second public-private dialogue dedicated to assessing progress in capital market development reform. The assessment of the progress of the reform includes an overview of the activities planned and implemented within the 2023-2024 action plan of the 2023-2028 capital market development strategy.
As Georgia advances on its path toward European Union (EU) candidacy, the anticipated economic benefits, increased foreign investment, and alignment with European standards present a promising trajectory, worthy of further attention within the following article. The granting of European Union candidate status is a significant political signal, one which represents an initial step towards acknowledging that a candidate country is on the path towards eventual EU membership.