Georgia Slashes Anaklia Port Funding by 66 Percent Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Georgia's government has cut funding for the construction of water infrastructure at the Anaklia deep-sea port by 66 percent, reducing the budget from 150 million GEL ($47.7 million) to 50 million GEL ($15.9 million). The dramatic reduction raises questions about the pace of development at a project designated as a strategic priority within the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T).

The Anaklia port, currently under construction by a Chinese consortium, is envisioned as the largest transport hub in the Black Sea region and a critical node in the Middle Corridor connecting Europe with Central Asia. The European Commission's 2026 meta-study recognizes Georgia as a key strategic corridor for Europe's economic security, making the funding cut all the more surprising to international observers.

Georgian officials have not publicly detailed the reasons for the budget reduction, though analysts suggest it may reflect fiscal pressures from other priorities including the recent 33 percent increase in electricity tariffs and broader macroeconomic adjustments. The port project itself remains on track, with the Chinese-led construction proceeding according to schedule, but the water infrastructure is considered essential for the port's full operational capacity.

The involvement of Chinese investors has drawn increasing scrutiny from Western partners. A Georgia Today investigation highlighted concerns among Tbilisi-based diplomats and business leaders about the geopolitical implications of Chinese control over a strategically vital Black Sea facility, particularly as Georgia's EU accession process has stalled.

Despite the funding cut, logistics experts say Anaklia remains vital to the Middle Corridor's long-term viability. Current Black Sea port capacity in Georgia — primarily concentrated at Poti and Batumi — is insufficient to handle projected cargo growth. The corridor handled approximately 5 million tons of freight in 2025, and volumes are expected to grow by at least 10 percent annually through the end of the decade.

The Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty analysis notes that Anaklia has become a symbol of the competing geopolitical influences vying for Georgia's strategic orientation, with the port project sitting at the intersection of European integration ambitions, Chinese infrastructure investment, and Russian strategic interests.

Further Reading

• Georgia Anaklia Deep Sea Port Advances as Black Sea Logistics Hub
• Georgia Electricity Tariffs Rise 33% from April 1