
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of the Treasury recently imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire widely regarded as Georgia's de facto ruler and the honorary chair of the Georgian Dream party. These measures, which include asset freezes and travel bans, aim to address democratic backsliding in Georgia and Ivanishvili's personal role in the country's perceived drift toward Russian influence.

Following the announcement of suspending EU integration, the level of polarization escalated rapidly, reaching its highest point in recent periods, which was maintained at the beginning of December. Traditionally, the polarization index decreases toward the end of the year as political activity subsides with the approach of the New Year. However, despite a slight decline, the polarization level at the end of the current year remained significantly higher than in the same period of previous years.

In October 2024, the cost of preparing one standard Imeretian khachapuri reached 6.62 GEL, reflecting a 2% increase from September 2024 and an 8% rise compared to October 2023.

As advised by the European partners, in order to restore Georgia's trajectory towards EU membership, it is essential for the country to repeal the recently enacted laws concerning "Transparency of Foreign Influence" and "Protection of Family Values and Minors," as well as to adequately implement the nine requirements set forth by the European Commission for granting of EU candidate status to Georgia.

In September 2024, the average price for preparing a standard portion of Imeretian khachapuri reached 6.48 GEL. During August and September 2024, the Khachapuri Index showed an upward trend, with prices increasing by 13% in September compared to July 2024.