The European Union has expressed “deep regret” over the Georgian Parliament's recent decision to override the President's veto on the controversial law concerning transparency of foreign influence. This decision, the EU emphasized, disregarded the “detailed legal arguments and clear recommendation” from the Venice Commission to repeal the law.

In a statement issued by the High Representative with the European Commission, the EU reiterated its stance that the law passed by the Georgian Parliament contradicts core EU principles and values. It added the EU had repeatedly stressed that this enactment represented a significant regression in Georgia’s progress, particularly affecting three of the nine crucial steps outlined in the Commission's recommendation for candidate status. These steps pertain to disinformation, polarization, and fundamental rights and the involvement of Civil Society Organisations.

The EU has voiced concerns that, beyond this specific law, there had been a lack of sufficient political will to make substantial progress on the nine recommended steps for opening accession talks. This stagnation, the EU warned, would have adverse implications on Georgia's aspirations to join the EU.

"We urge the Georgian authorities to reverse this trend and to return firmly on the EU path. There is still time to change the dynamics – but a strong commitment by the governing authorities is needed," the statement read.

The Parliament of Georgia has overridden the President's veto on the controversial foreign influence bill. In a decisive vote late on Tuesday, 66 MPs rejected the President's motivated remarks, while none supported them. The bill received 84 votes in favor, with only four MPs opposing it.

The law now awaits the President's signature within five days to come into force. Should the President decline to sign, the Speaker of the Parliament will sign and publish the bill.

The legislation mandates that non-governmental and media organizations receiving more than 20 percent of their income from abroad be classified as "organizations carrying the interests of a foreign power." These organizations must register in a special registry and submit an annual financial declaration. Non-compliance will result in a fine of 25,000 GEL for the first offense.