Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze pledged his commitment to engaging in "open dialogue" with European, American, and local Georgian stakeholders regarding the contentious foreign transparency bill following a meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany in Berlin on Friday.
During the meeting, Chancellor Scholz conveyed the European Union's critical stance on Georgia's proposed bill, emphasizing the EU's close scrutiny of its provisions.
In response, Prime Minister Kobakhidze emphasized the bill's purported alignment with principles of justice and stressed the importance of transparency in democratic societies. He clarified that the legislation primarily aimed at mandating annual financial disclosures by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and addressed fundamental transparency concerns regarding NGO operations.
Kobakhidze elaborated on the bill's provisions, stating that it empowered the government to establish "minimum transparency standards" for NGOs, particularly those perceived to be influenced by foreign entities. He expressed concerns over undisclosed and potentially illegal financing of certain organizations, which, he argued, contributed to societal polarization and government transitions prompted by non-electoral means.
Furthermore, Kobakhidze reiterated Georgia's commitment to implementing reforms in accordance with European Commission recommendations and expressed hope for positive recognition of these efforts. He also reaffirmed Georgia's medium-term aspiration for European Union membership, acknowledging Germany's significant role in supporting Georgia's independence and statehood since the 1990s.
Expressing gratitude for Germany's pivotal contributions to Georgia's development and the education of its political leaders, Kobakhidze underscored the deepening bilateral cooperation and reiterated Georgia's adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law.
He concluded by thanking Germany for its support in Georgia's journey toward European integration, citing the granting of EU candidate status in December of the previous year as a historic milestone facilitated by German assistance.
