EU Sanctions & Georgia’s Energy/Finance: The EU adopted its 21st Russia sanctions package, adding fresh pressure on oil and crypto flows, including transaction bans tied to crypto platforms linked to Georgia and other third countries, while also giving Georgia’s Kulevi refinery a six-month runway to stop processing Russian crude. Parliament & US Ties: Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili dismissed US Congressman Joe Wilson’s calls as unnecessary, urging American partners not to “pay attention” and arguing Brussels is not focused on Georgia’s future. Protests & Political Prisoners: Supporters of Eurointegration kept up the 604th day of rallies outside parliament, demanding political prisoners’ release; a court arrested doctor Georgy Akhobadze for 25 days, amid renewed attention after the detention of journalist Vakho Sanaia and the beating of comedian Onise Okriashvili. Court Cases in Tbilisi: A suspect in the attack on Okriashvili was released on 5,000 GEL bail after prosecutors sought detention as a security measure. Security & Crime: Police seized firearms and ammunition in Tbilisi, arresting one person. Crypto Mining Debate: Opposition figures Roman Gotsiridze and others renewed calls to ban crypto mining in free industrial zones, arguing it consumes about 6% of Georgia’s electricity and strains the grid. South Ossetia Politics: South Ossetia parties announced presidential candidate nominations ahead of early elections set for September 18. Regional Mobility: Baku–Tbilisi–Baku trains added capacity, boosting passenger seats by about 120% as demand stays high.