Council of Europe Secretary General Expresses concern over Georgia’s refusal to amend ‘Foreign Influence’ Law

Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, released a statement and expressed deep concern over the Georgian government’s decision to abandon plans to amend the controversial ‘foreign influence’ law.

In a phone call on 3 February with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Berset sought clarification on the status of the joint working group that was meant to revise the law. The establishment of the group had been agreed upon during the Secretary General’s visit to Tbilisi on 20 December 2024. However, despite a formal request on 20 January to initiate the process, the Georgian government did not respond.

During their conversation, Kobakhidze stated that “due to changed circumstances,” his government no longer intended to participate in the working group or amend the law, although he reaffirmed Georgia’s commitment to continued cooperation with the Council of Europe.

Berset expressed regret over the government’s reversal and reiterated concerns about the rule of law, human rights, and growing political polarization in Georgia. The Council of Europe is now assessing the impact of this shift in policy.

The statement reads that the organization remains committed to defending democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia. Several Council of Europe bodies have conducted visits to the country since Berset’s December trip, including PACE co-rapporteurs, the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT), the Commissioner for Human Rights, and the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities. Dialogue with Georgian authorities remains ongoing.