European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has condemned Georgia’s adoption of a controversial new law that imposes strict controls on foreign funding for civil society and media organizations. The law, rushed through Parliament in just two days and passed with 80 votes, has sparked alarm both domestically and internationally.
“Today, Georgia adopted a law that further shrinks civic space. Rushed and passed without consultation, it adds to recent repressive legislation. These steps undermine Georgia’s EU candidate status and core democratic principles,” Kallas stated on social media.
The newly adopted amendments to the Organic Law on Political Unions of Citizens require all foreign entities to obtain prior approval from the Georgian government before issuing grants to local organizations. Without this consent, funding will be deemed illegal. The law also gives the Anti-Corruption Bureau, headed by Razhden Kuprashvili, oversight of all grant-related activity.
Opposition parties and rights groups have strongly criticized the move, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of deepening its clampdown on independent voices. International partners warn that such legislation not only weakens democratic institutions but also jeopardizes Georgia’s aspirations for European integration.
