EU increases support for Georgian civil society amid funding cuts to Gov’t, EU Commission spokesperson

The European Union has announced additional financial support for Georgian civil society and independent media, allocating an extra €15 million in funding. The move came as the EU suspended direct assistance to the Georgian government, Anita Hipper, the European Commission’s Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told the press in Brussels on Friday.

“The EU stands by the Georgian people. We have suspended direct assistance to the Georgian government, which amounted to more than €120 million. We have also halted €30 million in support measures for 2024 through the European Peace Facility and do not plan any further support in 2025,” Hipper said.

Hipper further highlighted the EU’s efforts to bolster civil society in Georgia.

“We are strengthening our support for both civil society and independent media. In addition to the existing support, an additional €15 million has been allocated to civil society,” she said.

The EU’s decision to redirect funds follows concerns over governance and “democratic backsliding” in Georgia.