Jelger Groeneveld
@jelgerg.bsky.social
|🇬🇪Georgia|🏔️Caucasus | Strictly personal | Raadslid D66 Delft (Ruimte&Verkeer - mobiliteit, parkeren, fiets, energietransitie)
www: https://eastwatch.eu
www: https://eastwatch.eu
Passed through Rustaveli tonight between errand 1 and errand 2.
Still a sizeable protesting crowd close to 10pm in front of parliament. A streak of 14 months daily protests. But no closing of Rustaveli anymore. Traffic runs free but honks in agreement (or out of frustration).
Still a sizeable protesting crowd close to 10pm in front of parliament. A streak of 14 months daily protests. But no closing of Rustaveli anymore. Traffic runs free but honks in agreement (or out of frustration).
February 14, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Passed through Rustaveli tonight between errand 1 and errand 2.
Still a sizeable protesting crowd close to 10pm in front of parliament. A streak of 14 months daily protests. But no closing of Rustaveli anymore. Traffic runs free but honks in agreement (or out of frustration).
Still a sizeable protesting crowd close to 10pm in front of parliament. A streak of 14 months daily protests. But no closing of Rustaveli anymore. Traffic runs free but honks in agreement (or out of frustration).
After years the renovation of Varketili metro station in Tbilisi is in its finalizing phase. Quite a dull simple but effective ceiling.
Maybe they should have just stuck to the quasi apocalyptic look with some adjustments
Maybe they should have just stuck to the quasi apocalyptic look with some adjustments
February 14, 2026 at 5:15 PM
After years the renovation of Varketili metro station in Tbilisi is in its finalizing phase. Quite a dull simple but effective ceiling.
Maybe they should have just stuck to the quasi apocalyptic look with some adjustments
Maybe they should have just stuck to the quasi apocalyptic look with some adjustments
In Tskhinvali in so-called South Ossetia, Russia opened an issuing office for Russian domestuc ID documents (a so-called internal passport).
This is a "joint" service by the separatist authorities and occupier Russia.
www.ekhokavkaza.com/a/v-tshinval...
This is a "joint" service by the separatist authorities and occupier Russia.
www.ekhokavkaza.com/a/v-tshinval...
В Цхинвали открылся пункт выдачи внутрироссийских паспортов
Марат Кулахметов назвал открытие пункта «большим шагом в интеграции двух стран»
www.ekhokavkaza.com
February 14, 2026 at 4:36 PM
In Tskhinvali in so-called South Ossetia, Russia opened an issuing office for Russian domestuc ID documents (a so-called internal passport).
This is a "joint" service by the separatist authorities and occupier Russia.
www.ekhokavkaza.com/a/v-tshinval...
This is a "joint" service by the separatist authorities and occupier Russia.
www.ekhokavkaza.com/a/v-tshinval...
Georgian Airways has clearly found the way up (good business transferring people from to Europe)
Those who followed me years ago on Twitter have seen my posts about the terrible catering at the time (pre-covid).
Tasteless vermicelli with tasteless dry chicken. Oh, and a glass of Georgian wine.
Those who followed me years ago on Twitter have seen my posts about the terrible catering at the time (pre-covid).
Tasteless vermicelli with tasteless dry chicken. Oh, and a glass of Georgian wine.
February 14, 2026 at 4:06 PM
Georgian Airways has clearly found the way up (good business transferring people from to Europe)
Those who followed me years ago on Twitter have seen my posts about the terrible catering at the time (pre-covid).
Tasteless vermicelli with tasteless dry chicken. Oh, and a glass of Georgian wine.
Those who followed me years ago on Twitter have seen my posts about the terrible catering at the time (pre-covid).
Tasteless vermicelli with tasteless dry chicken. Oh, and a glass of Georgian wine.
While a merger of leading Georgian universities is off the table at the moment, universities are slashed in their faculties in the "one city one faculty" doctrine, which dramatically hits quality universitiesin Tbilisi.
Under its new education reform, the Georgian government has cut 92% of admissions at the government-critical Ilia State University.
Georgia cuts 92% of admissions at government-critical Ilia State University
The announcement was quickly followed by student protests.
oc-media.org
February 14, 2026 at 6:52 AM
While a merger of leading Georgian universities is off the table at the moment, universities are slashed in their faculties in the "one city one faculty" doctrine, which dramatically hits quality universitiesin Tbilisi.
Bizarre invitation of a Georgian to Iran, "celebrating" the "arrival" of Georgians in Persia 410 years ago.
In fact, Persians invaded eastern Georgia (Kakheti) in the 17th century, massacred thousands and then forcibly deported large numbers to Iran.
In fact, Persians invaded eastern Georgia (Kakheti) in the 17th century, massacred thousands and then forcibly deported large numbers to Iran.
February 13, 2026 at 3:03 PM
Bizarre invitation of a Georgian to Iran, "celebrating" the "arrival" of Georgians in Persia 410 years ago.
In fact, Persians invaded eastern Georgia (Kakheti) in the 17th century, massacred thousands and then forcibly deported large numbers to Iran.
In fact, Persians invaded eastern Georgia (Kakheti) in the 17th century, massacred thousands and then forcibly deported large numbers to Iran.
Russian Deputy PM Overchuk said the "restoration of railway traffic between Russia and Georgia via Abkhazia is being considered".
He said this in the context of 🇷🇺 cooperation in renovating Armenian border railroads to "ensure Russia's connection" with the southern region.
www.bpn.ge/article/1490...
He said this in the context of 🇷🇺 cooperation in renovating Armenian border railroads to "ensure Russia's connection" with the southern region.
www.bpn.ge/article/1490...
„განიხილება აფხაზეთის ტერიტორიის გავლით რუსეთსა და საქართველოს შორის სარკინიგზო მიმოსვლის აღდგენა“ - რუსეთის ვიცე-პრე...
განიხილება აფხაზეთის ტერიტორიის გავლით რუსეთსა და საქართველოს შორის სარკინიგზო მიმოსვლის აღდგენა. ამის შესახებ რუსეთის ვიცე-პრემიერმა, ალექსეი ოვერჩუკმა განა...
www.bpn.ge
February 12, 2026 at 7:48 PM
Russian Deputy PM Overchuk said the "restoration of railway traffic between Russia and Georgia via Abkhazia is being considered".
He said this in the context of 🇷🇺 cooperation in renovating Armenian border railroads to "ensure Russia's connection" with the southern region.
www.bpn.ge/article/1490...
He said this in the context of 🇷🇺 cooperation in renovating Armenian border railroads to "ensure Russia's connection" with the southern region.
www.bpn.ge/article/1490...
Georgia: Freedom Square led by Levan Tsutskiridze is transforming into a political party. Last weekend they held a large conference attended by around 800.
Amidst the disintegrating and decapitated opposition, Tsutskiridze convinced everyone only protests is not enough.
oc-media.org/amidst-state...
Amidst the disintegrating and decapitated opposition, Tsutskiridze convinced everyone only protests is not enough.
oc-media.org/amidst-state...
Amidst state pressure, a small Georgian party seeks a ‘new stage’ for change
Freedom Square sees anti-government resistance as important, but not enough on its own.
oc-media.org
February 12, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Georgia: Freedom Square led by Levan Tsutskiridze is transforming into a political party. Last weekend they held a large conference attended by around 800.
Amidst the disintegrating and decapitated opposition, Tsutskiridze convinced everyone only protests is not enough.
oc-media.org/amidst-state...
Amidst the disintegrating and decapitated opposition, Tsutskiridze convinced everyone only protests is not enough.
oc-media.org/amidst-state...
Heel goed. Ons bestel is al heel lang ongelooflijk pluriform, evenredig en toegankelijk voor nieuwe partijen. Ware volksvertegenwoordiging.
We hebben vaker fasen gehad met veel kleine partijen, die de krachten bundelden. Daar ligt de oplossing, niet in kiesdrempels.
nos.nl/artikel/2601...
We hebben vaker fasen gehad met veel kleine partijen, die de krachten bundelden. Daar ligt de oplossing, niet in kiesdrempels.
nos.nl/artikel/2601...
Oppositie stemt kiesdrempelvoorstel minderheidscoalitie weg
D66, VVD en CDA willen laten onderzoeken of partijen meer dan één zetel moeten halen.
nos.nl
February 10, 2026 at 4:43 PM
Heel goed. Ons bestel is al heel lang ongelooflijk pluriform, evenredig en toegankelijk voor nieuwe partijen. Ware volksvertegenwoordiging.
We hebben vaker fasen gehad met veel kleine partijen, die de krachten bundelden. Daar ligt de oplossing, niet in kiesdrempels.
nos.nl/artikel/2601...
We hebben vaker fasen gehad met veel kleine partijen, die de krachten bundelden. Daar ligt de oplossing, niet in kiesdrempels.
nos.nl/artikel/2601...
Wereldvreemd en dom.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
NS besteedt ict deels uit aan Amerikaanse leverancier
Strategische autonomie: Ondanks alle discussies over strategische autonomie kiest NS een Amerikaanse beheerder voor cruciale IT-diensten. „Als iedereen zo handelt als NS, bouwen we nooit eigen digital...
www.nrc.nl
February 10, 2026 at 6:47 AM
Wereldvreemd en dom.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Ahead of her visit to Budapest, Georgian foreign minister Maka Bochorishvili emphasizes "Hungary is one of 🇬🇪 strongest supporters, especially in the EU integration process and in the context of relations with the EU".
Not sure it really is a recommendation for Georgia's case.
bm.ge/news/ungreti...
Not sure it really is a recommendation for Georgia's case.
bm.ge/news/ungreti...
უნგრეთი საქართველოს
ხმამაღალი მხარდამჭერია,
განსაკუთრებით ევროპული
ინტეგრაციის პროცესში -
მაკა ბოჭორიშვილი
საქართველოს საგარეო
საქმეთა მინისტრმა, მაკა
ბოჭორიშვილმა უნგრეთში
დაგეგმილ ვიზიტთან
დაკავშირებით ისა...
bm.ge
February 9, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Ahead of her visit to Budapest, Georgian foreign minister Maka Bochorishvili emphasizes "Hungary is one of 🇬🇪 strongest supporters, especially in the EU integration process and in the context of relations with the EU".
Not sure it really is a recommendation for Georgia's case.
bm.ge/news/ungreti...
Not sure it really is a recommendation for Georgia's case.
bm.ge/news/ungreti...
Gesjeesd kamerlid bij gesjeesde partij die genadeloos is afgerekend op “verbinding” met de kiezer gaat even de les lezen.
Knotsgek. Tijd om een tijdje in een hoekje te gaan zitten stil zijn.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Knotsgek. Tijd om een tijdje in een hoekje te gaan zitten stil zijn.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Column | In de D66-stad voel ik me niet thuis
Ik denk dat Rob Jetten een goede premier is voor Nederland. Hij is vrolijk, open, competent, beminnelijk en kameleonesk genoeg. Daar kunnen we best even mee vooruit. En toch staat zijn politiek, die v...
www.nrc.nl
February 7, 2026 at 7:54 AM
Gesjeesd kamerlid bij gesjeesde partij die genadeloos is afgerekend op “verbinding” met de kiezer gaat even de les lezen.
Knotsgek. Tijd om een tijdje in een hoekje te gaan zitten stil zijn.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Knotsgek. Tijd om een tijdje in een hoekje te gaan zitten stil zijn.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
En het is officieel. Het verbaal van de kieslijsten in Delft is gepubliceerd. Ik sta op nummer 7 voor D66 Delft. Een goede uitgangspositie om in de raad herkozen te worden.
February 6, 2026 at 10:24 PM
En het is officieel. Het verbaal van de kieslijsten in Delft is gepubliceerd. Ik sta op nummer 7 voor D66 Delft. Een goede uitgangspositie om in de raad herkozen te worden.
Het is alsof je de RPF, EVP en CD vraagt wat ze van Lubbers II vinden.
'Oppositiepartijen'. Een extreemrechtse afsplitsing en twee electoraal geruïneerde populisten. Wat een armoe.
February 3, 2026 at 9:06 AM
Het is alsof je de RPF, EVP en CD vraagt wat ze van Lubbers II vinden.
Tonight we’re having a semi-sweet Akhasheni wine from Gio’s Marani winery, that I got from the 8000 vintages in Tbilisi.
The Akhasheni appellation comes from the Kakheti region and is named after the village of that name in the Alazani valley on the slopes of the Gombori Range, near Gurjaani city.
The Akhasheni appellation comes from the Kakheti region and is named after the village of that name in the Alazani valley on the slopes of the Gombori Range, near Gurjaani city.
January 31, 2026 at 9:53 PM
Tonight we’re having a semi-sweet Akhasheni wine from Gio’s Marani winery, that I got from the 8000 vintages in Tbilisi.
The Akhasheni appellation comes from the Kakheti region and is named after the village of that name in the Alazani valley on the slopes of the Gombori Range, near Gurjaani city.
The Akhasheni appellation comes from the Kakheti region and is named after the village of that name in the Alazani valley on the slopes of the Gombori Range, near Gurjaani city.
The expansion of the scope of the Georgian “foreign grants” law is a liability for every foreigner apending money in Georgia and every Georgian citizen.
civil.ge/archives/719...
civil.ge/archives/719...
GD Announces New Restrictions on Receiving Grants, Party Membership, ‘External Lobbying’ - Civil Georgia
The ruling Georgian Dream party has announced a series of legislative amendments that would impose f
civil.ge
January 30, 2026 at 5:41 PM
The expansion of the scope of the Georgian “foreign grants” law is a liability for every foreigner apending money in Georgia and every Georgian citizen.
civil.ge/archives/719...
civil.ge/archives/719...
Twee jaar lang werd ons door de Israël fan meute voorgehouden op sociale media dat de cijfers over Palestijnse doden onmogelijk konden kloppen, dat het allemaal maar antisemitische leugens waren.
Kloppen ze ongeveer dus wel, volgens nota bene Israël zelf.
nos.nl/artikel/2600...
Kloppen ze ongeveer dus wel, volgens nota bene Israël zelf.
nos.nl/artikel/2600...
Israëlisch leger erkent: ruim 71.000 Palestijnen gedood bij oorlog in Gaza
Het is de eerste keer dat het leger de aantallen bevestigt die de Palestijnse gezondheidsautoriteiten in de Gazastrook eerder hebben gemeld.
nos.nl
January 30, 2026 at 7:01 AM
Twee jaar lang werd ons door de Israël fan meute voorgehouden op sociale media dat de cijfers over Palestijnse doden onmogelijk konden kloppen, dat het allemaal maar antisemitische leugens waren.
Kloppen ze ongeveer dus wel, volgens nota bene Israël zelf.
nos.nl/artikel/2600...
Kloppen ze ongeveer dus wel, volgens nota bene Israël zelf.
nos.nl/artikel/2600...
Hypocrisy alert. Georgian PM calls for “return of healthy public debate” after free speech crackdown.
Georgia’s public debate culture has been unhealthy for a long time, perpetuated by affiliated media channels not hosting guests of “the other side”.
oc-media.org/after-presid...
Georgia’s public debate culture has been unhealthy for a long time, perpetuated by affiliated media channels not hosting guests of “the other side”.
oc-media.org/after-presid...
After presiding over Georgia’s free speech crackdown, Kobakhidze calls for ‘healthy’ public debates
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze blamed the ‘deep state’ for the disappearance of public debates in Georgia.
oc-media.org
January 24, 2026 at 9:15 AM
Hypocrisy alert. Georgian PM calls for “return of healthy public debate” after free speech crackdown.
Georgia’s public debate culture has been unhealthy for a long time, perpetuated by affiliated media channels not hosting guests of “the other side”.
oc-media.org/after-presid...
Georgia’s public debate culture has been unhealthy for a long time, perpetuated by affiliated media channels not hosting guests of “the other side”.
oc-media.org/after-presid...
Bonte verzameling Europarlementariërs stemt voor vertragen Mercosur verdrag door het aan de rechter te willen voorleggen.
Vooral mogelijk gemaakt door uiterst rechts en links, maar ook door dissidente christendemocraten, liberalen en sociaaldemocraten.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Vooral mogelijk gemaakt door uiterst rechts en links, maar ook door dissidente christendemocraten, liberalen en sociaaldemocraten.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Tegenslag voor Europese Commissie: Europees Parlement wil uitstel van Mercosur-verdrag
Handelsverdrag: Het Europees Parlement wil de invoering uitstellen van het Mercosur-verdrag, waarover 25 jaar onderhandeld is. De vraag is of de Europese Commissie de beslissing van het parlement acce...
www.nrc.nl
January 21, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Bonte verzameling Europarlementariërs stemt voor vertragen Mercosur verdrag door het aan de rechter te willen voorleggen.
Vooral mogelijk gemaakt door uiterst rechts en links, maar ook door dissidente christendemocraten, liberalen en sociaaldemocraten.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Vooral mogelijk gemaakt door uiterst rechts en links, maar ook door dissidente christendemocraten, liberalen en sociaaldemocraten.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
A Georgian author sitting on the chair of Kremlin propaganda (discrediting the Russian opposition - and specifically using this Kara-Murza in the picture).
Soon, the (exiled) Georgian opposition will look and could be treated with the same cynical attitude.
neweasterneurope.eu/2026/01/20/t...
Soon, the (exiled) Georgian opposition will look and could be treated with the same cynical attitude.
neweasterneurope.eu/2026/01/20/t...
The western delusion of the Russian opposition
Western institutions treat exiled Russian opposition figures as democratic alternatives to Putin. In reality, they lack legitimacy, are deeply divided, and often prioritize Russian victimhood over Ukr...
neweasterneurope.eu
January 21, 2026 at 7:24 AM
A Georgian author sitting on the chair of Kremlin propaganda (discrediting the Russian opposition - and specifically using this Kara-Murza in the picture).
Soon, the (exiled) Georgian opposition will look and could be treated with the same cynical attitude.
neweasterneurope.eu/2026/01/20/t...
Soon, the (exiled) Georgian opposition will look and could be treated with the same cynical attitude.
neweasterneurope.eu/2026/01/20/t...
Good piece by Tornike how Georgian Dream turned its rhetoric against the EU.
The turn was already brewing since 2020, but took a sharp turn in 2022 and even worse since the 2024 elections, basically burning all bridges.
civil.ge/archives/717...
The turn was already brewing since 2020, but took a sharp turn in 2022 and even worse since the 2024 elections, basically burning all bridges.
civil.ge/archives/717...
Unfriending Europe: How Georgian Dream Turned its Rhetoric against the EU - Civil Georgia
The speed of Georgia’s authoritarian descent has stunned many in Europe. Once hailed as a success st
civil.ge
January 20, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Good piece by Tornike how Georgian Dream turned its rhetoric against the EU.
The turn was already brewing since 2020, but took a sharp turn in 2022 and even worse since the 2024 elections, basically burning all bridges.
civil.ge/archives/717...
The turn was already brewing since 2020, but took a sharp turn in 2022 and even worse since the 2024 elections, basically burning all bridges.
civil.ge/archives/717...
Goede constatering: forum is intern (op het oog) democratischer dan de PVV maar is politiek-ideologisch nog gevaarlijker (extremer) in combinatie met het huidige “aantrekkelijke” jasje dat kiezers op rechts trekt. Goed om richting PS2027 in de gaten te houden.
We zitten in de bizarre situatie dat de PVV een ‘brandmuur’ is met Forum voor Democratie. Als die muur afbrokkelt komt er dus nóg iets extremers voor in de plaats.
January 20, 2026 at 1:42 PM
Goede constatering: forum is intern (op het oog) democratischer dan de PVV maar is politiek-ideologisch nog gevaarlijker (extremer) in combinatie met het huidige “aantrekkelijke” jasje dat kiezers op rechts trekt. Goed om richting PS2027 in de gaten te houden.
Signs that the Georgian government ceases to build a new airport for Tbilisi at the Vaziani airbase- a lunatic idea from the start anyways.
The concession holder of Tbilisi airport, French TAV, will invest 150 million USD in exchange for 5 more years concession.
bm.ge/en/news/govt...
The concession holder of Tbilisi airport, French TAV, will invest 150 million USD in exchange for 5 more years concession.
bm.ge/en/news/govt...
Gov't Extends TAV Airports’ Tbilisi Airport Management Contract by 5
Years; USD 150 MLN Expansion Announced
The Government of Georgia has extended TAV Airports’ management
contract for Tbilisi International A...
bm.ge
January 20, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Signs that the Georgian government ceases to build a new airport for Tbilisi at the Vaziani airbase- a lunatic idea from the start anyways.
The concession holder of Tbilisi airport, French TAV, will invest 150 million USD in exchange for 5 more years concession.
bm.ge/en/news/govt...
The concession holder of Tbilisi airport, French TAV, will invest 150 million USD in exchange for 5 more years concession.
bm.ge/en/news/govt...
Europa leert langzaam de harde les: na jarenlang accomoderen van Poetin, eindelijk door de bocht; dan de tirannieke Trump accomoderen, en nu beseffen dat dat ook in dit geval alleen maar de honger van de tiran voedt.
Geef een vinger en ze nemen de hand.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Geef een vinger en ze nemen de hand.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Trumps dreigementen rond Groenland zijn voor Europese politici een rode lijn
Spanningen rond Groenland: De aanscherping van president Trumps dreigende taal over Groenland gaat gezaghebbende politici in Europa te ver: de rekbaarheid die ze het afgelopen jaar hebben getoond ten ...
www.nrc.nl
January 18, 2026 at 10:44 PM
Europa leert langzaam de harde les: na jarenlang accomoderen van Poetin, eindelijk door de bocht; dan de tirannieke Trump accomoderen, en nu beseffen dat dat ook in dit geval alleen maar de honger van de tiran voedt.
Geef een vinger en ze nemen de hand.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Geef een vinger en ze nemen de hand.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Over de totaal disfunctionele relatie tussen de VVD en GroenLinks-PvdA.
Vooral de VVD valt dit aan te wrijven als partij die ook graag wil regeren, maar daar niet de interne harmonie met D66 voor lijkt te willen bewaken.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Vooral de VVD valt dit aan te wrijven als partij die ook graag wil regeren, maar daar niet de interne harmonie met D66 voor lijkt te willen bewaken.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
De formatie gaat óók over de lange tenen van de oppositie
Minderheidskabinet: D66, VVD en CDA hebben haast: zaterdag gaan de onderhandelingen door. Met GroenLinks-PvdA blijft de omgang moeizaam, de VVD vindt dat Jesse Klaver zich volwassen moet gaan gedragen...
www.nrc.nl
January 17, 2026 at 6:21 PM
Over de totaal disfunctionele relatie tussen de VVD en GroenLinks-PvdA.
Vooral de VVD valt dit aan te wrijven als partij die ook graag wil regeren, maar daar niet de interne harmonie met D66 voor lijkt te willen bewaken.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...
Vooral de VVD valt dit aan te wrijven als partij die ook graag wil regeren, maar daar niet de interne harmonie met D66 voor lijkt te willen bewaken.
www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2026/...