EU, German Ambassadors critique Georgia’s foreign transparency bill

Pavel Herchinski, the Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, on Thursday expressed his concerns over Georgia’s foreign transparency bill, saying “this law isn’t in line with European or American standards. Transparency is vital, but not at the cost of hindering the crucial work of civil society organizations benefiting Georgia’s populace.”

“The EU High Representative’s spokesperson swiftly voiced our concerns,” Herchinski continued. “Transparency shouldn’t restrict civil society or smear them. Freedom of speech and the press are fundamental in democracies, including Georgia, an EU candidate. Simply put, this law falls short.”

Peter Fischer, the German Ambassador to Georgia, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Germany’s worried. This draft law diverges from EU practices.”

“Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will meet Chancellor Scholz in Germany,” Fischer added. “The draft law’s misalignment with EU practices will be a key topic. Georgia must meet our standards to progress towards EU membership.”

The bill aims to brand non-commercial legal entities and media outlets in the country as “aligned with the interests of a foreign power” if they obtain more than 20 percent of their funding from abroad.