Georgia will become EU member by 2030 as “independent, sovereign state” – PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday claimed his country would become a member of the European Union “as an independent and sovereign state” amidst mass protests in Tbilisi against the ruling party’s proposed foreign transparency bill, condemned by the EU for its potential infringement on human rights and free expression.

Kobakhidze emphasized the government’s commitment to respecting the wishes of the majority of Georgian voters who reportedly strongly support transparency measures for non-governmental organizations. In a letter addressed to the youth, he assured them of the state’s support, even for those who may currently be “misinformed” about the challenges faced by Georgian society.

“I assure you, the Georgian state will extend its support to all sincere young individuals, even those who may currently be misled and unaware of the considerable challenges averted by the majority of Georgian society and their elected government,” Kobakhidze affirmed.

The bill, passed by the Georgian Dream party on May 1 in its second reading, garnered 83 votes in favor and 23 against. While the bill’s substance largely remained unchanged, the title was revised to replace the term “agent” with “Organization Pursuing the Interests of a Foreign Power” for entities deriving more than 20 percent of their incomes from abroad.

Meanwhile, Gccha Javakhishvili, Georgia’s Ambassador to France, announced his resignation on Thursday in protest against the bill.