Georgia’s path of EU has for the time being come to an end – Carl Bildt

Carl Bildt, the co-chairman of the European Council on Foreign Relations, has responded to the decision by the Georgian Parliament on Tuesday to override the presidential veto on the controversial foreign influence bill. 

“After the ruling party overcame the president’s veto on the Russian law in the parliament, Georgia’s European path ended temporarily. It’s tragic, but it’s true,” Bildt tweeted. 

The legislation mandates that non-governmental and media organizations receiving more than 20 percent of their income from abroad be classified as “organizations carrying the interests of a foreign power.” These organizations must register in a special registry and submit an annual financial declaration. Non-compliance will result in a fine of 25,000 GEL for the first offense.

Following the publication of the law, the Ministry of Justice and the National Public Registry Agency have 60 days to establish the “foreign interests” registry. Registration will become mandatory once this registry is operational.

Despite widespread protests in Georgia, persistent appeals from Western nations, and critical feedback from the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, the ruling Georgian Dream government has remained steadfast in its commitment to the “transparency of foreign influence” legislation. In response, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in May the implementation of visa restrictions and a comprehensive review of US-Georgia cooperation, citing concerns over democratic erosion in Georgia.