The News in Brief

Plenkovic Says EPC Agenda Reflects Global Challenges, Backs Georgia's European Path

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said the agenda of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan reflects key global and European challenges, calling the event "a very strong message" for Armenia as host.

"I believe the topics on the agenda clearly reflect the current global situation and major European issues," Plenkovic said, pointing to areas such as competitiveness, connectivity, energy, technology, and migration. He added that holding the summit in Yerevan for the first time sends "a very positive signal for the host country."

Speaking about regional connectivity, Plenkovic stressed the importance of the Middle Corridor, which includes Georgia. "Transportation of energy and goods, opening transit routes, and investing in relevant infrastructure are critically important for development and peace," he said, also referencing the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor.

Responding to a question on Georgia's role, he noted that cooperation between the two countries has been strong. "Croatia and Georgia have had very good cooperation over the years. We have supported Georgia's aspirations for Europe," he said.

At the same time, Plenkovic added that progress depends on political choices in Tbilisi. "When the Georgian government and people decide that the European path is their future and make a clear commitment, some requirements will follow, and then the process can be restarted," he said.



Georgia's Annual Inflation Reaches 5.9% in April

Georgia's annual inflation rate stood at 5.9% in April, while consumer prices rose 1.7% month-on-month, according to data released on May 4 by the National Statistics Office of Georgia.

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices increased by 0.5% compared to March. On an annual basis, inflation was mainly driven by rising costs in transport (10.3%), followed by miscellaneous goods and services (9%), food and non-alcoholic beverages (7.5%), and housing and utilities (6.5%).

Within food categories, the sharpest yearly increases were seen in fish (21.3%), fruit and grapes (11.8%), meat (10.1%), vegetables (9.3%), and bread and cereals (7.7%). Prices also rose for sugar and confectionery (7.3%), oils and fats (6.3%), and dairy products (4.5%).

On a monthly basis, fruit and grapes saw the largest increase (3.7%), followed by vegetables and confectionery (2.1% each), and fish (1.6%). At the same time, prices declined for soft drinks (-2.5%) and dairy products (-1.5%).