Georgia’s ruling party moves to ban foreign-funded lectures, seminars for political parties

The ruling Georgian Dream party has unveiled a draft law that would prohibit political parties from holding lectures, seminars, and similar events funded by foreign donors.

The proposed amendments, announced during a session of the parliamentary bureau on Monday, form part of a broader legislative package that includes changes to the Law On Political Unions of Citizens, the Law on Grants, the Law on Corruption, and the Administrative Procedure Code.

Under the new draft, parties would be barred from accepting donations from legal entities or associations of persons, both within Georgia and abroad. The amendment removes the existing exception that allowed such contributions specifically for organising educational events like lectures and seminars.

Also set to be repealed is a provision that exempted international organisations and legal entities focused on institutional party development from donation restrictions, provided their work was not tied to supporting or opposing any political force.

In addition, political parties would be required to disclose in their annual financial reports any expenses made by restricted individuals or entities if those funds were used for the party’s campaign or political goals.

The law is being pushed through an expedited process and is expected to be passed by April 18. It would take effect immediately upon publication.

Civil society organisations and opposition leaders have raised concerns about the draft, warning it could undermine party development and limit access to non-partisan political education, especially in cooperation with international partners.