EU Enlargement Commissioner: Georgia’s new grant law “further shrinks civic space”

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has criticized Georgia’s adoption of a new law regulating foreign funding for civil society and media organizations, warning that the legislation represents a significant departure from EU values and democratic standards.

In a social media post following the vote, Kos expressed deep concern over the direction Georgia’s leadership is taking: “I deeply regret yet another step by the Georgian authorities away from EU values and standards.” She emphasized that the law, passed without broad consultation, would further erode civic space and intensify existing repression in the country. “This kind of legislation runs counter to democratic principles and should be reversed,” Kos stated.

The criticism comes after the Georgian Parliament passed controversial amendments to the Organic Law on Political Unions of Citizens in a third reading, with 80 votes in favor. The fast-tracked procedure drew swift condemnation from opposition parties, civil society groups, and international partners, who view the move as part of a broader pattern of democratic backsliding by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Under the newly adopted rules, all foreign entities providing grants to local organizations must first obtain official approval from the Georgian government or a designated authority. If permission is not granted, such funding will be considered illegal. Oversight and enforcement responsibilities will fall to the Anti-Corruption Bureau, led by Razhden Kuprashvili, raising additional concerns about transparency and political motivations behind the law’s implementation.

I deeply regret yet another step by the Georgian authorities away from EU values and standards.

The law adopted today will further shrink civic space and add to existing repression.

Such steps are contrary to democratic principles and should be reversed.

— Marta Kos (@MartaKosEU) April 16, 2025