The leaders of three European countries warned Georgia about the ambiguous prospects of joining the EU

In a joint statement, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed their concern about the current political situation in Georgia.

"If Georgia does not change its current course and does not demonstrate tangible efforts regarding reforms, in particular, does not cancel the recently adopted legislation that contradicts European values ​​and principles, we will not be able to support the beginning of negotiations on joining the EU," the statement says.

The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, wrote on social networks that Europe should pursue a "clear and tough policy." According to her, Georgia is the first challenge.

"All of Europe unanimously declares that it must take more responsibility into its own hands. The first challenge is Georgia: Europe must pursue a clear and tough policy and must not accept challenges to democracy supported by Russia," writes Zurabishvili.

The fifth summit of the European Union will be held today in Budapest. Even before the beginning of the ego, Zurabishvili communicated with European leaders about the situation in Georgia, the Presidential Administration reports. The Prime Minister of the country, Irakliy Kobakhidze, will also take part in the event.

Последние новости
Drone alert declared across southern Russia this evening
News
Drone alert declared across southern Russia this evening
17 October 2026

On the evening of 17 October, a drone alert was declared again in several districts of Krasnodar Krai. The warning covered Anapa, Gelendzhik, Novorossiysk, Abinsky, Krymsky and Temryuksky districts. Earlier in the day, alerts had also been issued in Sochi, Tuapse municipal district and Mostovsky district.

Residents over 55 in Karachay-Cherkessia five times more likely to visit online learning websites
Society
Residents over 55 in Karachay-Cherkessia five times more likely to visit online learning websites
17 October 2026

In the third quarter of 2026, monthly internet traffic to educational websites in Karachay-Cherkessia was 1.3 times higher than in the first quarter. Among users aged over 55, the figure increased fivefold, according to a study by telecommunications operator MegaFon and the Skillbox educational group.

Reporters Without Borders condemns forced detention of Novaya Gazeta editor-in-chief
Human rights
Reporters Without Borders condemns forced detention of Novaya Gazeta editor-in-chief
17 October 2026

Sergei Sokolov was taken to Russia’s Investigative Committee and held in the building for around three hours, despite having been officially summoned for questioning as a witness. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) described the incident as a new stage in the pressure on one of Russia’s last independent media outlets.

Shchukin: Over 3 Billion Rubles Paid to Flood Victims in Dagestan
Society
Shchukin: Over 3 Billion Rubles Paid to Flood Victims in Dagestan
16 October 2026

More than 3 billion rubles have been paid out to residents of Dagestan affected by spring floods. Fyodor Shchukin announced this on October 15 while speaking at a session of the republic’s People’s Assembly. On the same day, deputies elected him as the head of the region, following which he took the oath of office and assumed his duties.