NATO & EU Tensions: Spain’s Socialist Youth (PSOE) is pushing for an anti-NATO line, arguing the alliance serves U.S. interests—an argument critics say is designed to please pro-Russian partners. Pro-EU Protest in Tbilisi: Thousands marched in Tbilisi demanding EU integration and a new parliamentary vote, accusing the government of sabotaging accession and calling for the release of people detained after the 2024 protests. Security & Espionage Crackdown: Georgia’s State Security Service arrested a citizen on espionage charges, alleging he collected political and economic information for a foreign intelligence service using contacts in journalistic and expert circles. Regional Defense Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s defense minister visited Georgia to discuss bilateral defense cooperation and regional stability, with Georgian officials including the defense minister and deputy PM attending. Middle Corridor Push: Analysts highlighted the Middle Corridor’s growing importance as disruptions hit traditional chokepoints, with China increasing freight via routes through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye. Election Audit Talk: Georgia officials kicked off an election audit, using risk-limiting checks on a random ballot sample ahead of certification deadlines. Culture & State Narrative: Georgia opened Stalin’s hidden wine cellar, revealing about 40,000 bottles—another high-profile state move that keeps the past in the political spotlight.