The FINANCIAL -- The average cost of cooking one standard Imeretian khachapuri varied in September 2014 across Georgian cities from 3.01 GEL, the minimum observed in Telavi, to 3.55 GEL, the maximum observed in Tbilisi and Kutaisi. The average price was 3.35 GEL, which is 3.2% higher compared to the previous month (August 2014), and 13.7% higher compared to September of last year.
Khachapuri Index as a Mesure of "Economic Security"
The FINANCIAL -- All khachapuri ingredients, except eggs, have significantly increased in price in September 2014 relative to the same month of last year: cheese added 19.7%, flour - 17.2%, butter - 12%, yeast - 12%, and milk - 7.5%. While Imeruli cheese is a unique Georgian product, all other khachapuri ingredients can be imported or produced domestically. According to GeoStat, in 2013, Georgia reached very high levels of self-sufficiency in such products as milk and eggs (around 90%). For wheat, however, Georgia heavily depends on imports, with only 10% of it grown by local farmers.
Can the Golden Card buy the Golden Dream?
Not surprisingly, the recent NATO summit in Wales has dominated headlines in the Georgian press. Unlike in previous years, officials in Tbilisi stuck to promises that Georgia was primed to receive something “better than a MAP.” Russia’s involvement in shaping a “frozen conflict” in Ukraine only raised expectations that the alliance would offer Georgia greater integration. More importantly, however, Moscow’s new “deniable warfare” has prompted NATO members to finally follow their own rules - devote at least 2% of their countries’ GDP for their militaries - and not rely solely on Article 5. Ukraine’s fate notwithstanding, Russia’s recent aggression may be a blessing in disguise for Georgia’s security: a wakeup call within NATO and the realization that words of assurance continue to have zero value.
Georgians “almost happy” as dissatisfaction grows in key Eastern Partnership countries
The FINANCIAL -- As with previous columns, this week I assess the mood of citizens in the Eastern Partnership countries, but with a particular focus on personal life. Two years and running, the EU Neighbourhood Barometer survey measures participant countries based on a number of indicators that are linked to people’s general satisfaction with life and economic aspects both on the personal level and global level.
Among ENPI East countries, Georgia tops trust in EU, UN and NATO
The FINANCIAL -- From December 2013 to January 2014, a consortium composed of TNS Opinion SA, Kantar Media SA, Particip GmbH and GORBI conducted the autumn 2013 EU Neighbourhood Barometer as part of the “ENPI Regional Communication Programme 2011-2013: Opinion polling and media monitoring,” on behalf of the European Commission’s Development and Cooperation Office, Europe Aid (Unit F4).
Among ENPI East countries, Georgia tops trust in EU, UN and NATO
The FINANCIAL -- From December 2013 to January 2014, a consortium composed of TNS Opinion SA, Kantar Media SA, Particip GmbH and GORBI conducted the autumn 2013 EU Neighbourhood Barometer as part of the “ENPI Regional Communication Programme 2011-2013: Opinion polling and media monitoring,” on behalf of the European Commission’s Development and Cooperation Office, Europe Aid (Unit F4).