“The announcement by the ruling party in Georgia to re-introduce a draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” raises serious concerns. The European Union recalls the public pledge of the Georgian government and the ruling party from last year to “unconditionally withdraw” such legislation,” - said Peter Stano, the Lead Spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy.
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The EU regrets that it is again being considered despite strong public and international reactions in March 2023.
“Creating and maintaining an enabling environment for civil society organizations and ensuring media freedom is at the core of democracy. It is also crucial for the EU accession process.
The EU recalls that the European Council granted Georgia candidate status on the understanding that the relevant steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation of 8 November 2023 are taken.
Step 9 includes a recommendation for Georgia to make sure that civil society can operate freely, and Step 1 calls on Georgia to fight disinformation against the EU and its values.
Transparency should not be used as an instrument to limit civil society’s capacity to operate freely.
We encourage the political leaders in Georgia to adopt and implement reforms that are in line with the stated objective of joining the European Union, as supported by a large majority of Georgia’s citizens.
The EU calls on Georgia to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.” - Peter Stano stated.
The ruling party intends to pass the law on so-called foreign agents in all three readings by the end of the current session of parliament, which was rejected in March 2023 due to protests and international pressure. The text of the draft law will remain the same, with only "agent of foreign influence" being replaced by the term "organization carrying the interests of a foreign power." At today's briefing, the executive secretary of the ruling party, Mamuka Mdinaradze, noted that the draft law would not be considered accelerated and would not be withdrawn even in the event of a larger protest than last year. "No way. This is a matter of principle," said Mdinaradze. Until now, the leaders of Georgian Dream had declared that they would not return to the draft law and that this issue was closed. The honorary chairman of the party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, supports the re-initiation of Russian law.
