Georgian PM tells EU official controversial bill’s “sole purpose” transparency

In a meeting with Gert Jan Koopman, Head of the Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations of the European Commission, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze highlighted the importance of a foreign transparency bill. 

Kobakhidze emphasized the bill’s “sole purpose” was transparency and clarified that it “only imposes the obligation” on non-governmental organizations to disclose their annual financial reports. 

The focus of the Tbilisi meeting on Wednesday was on opening accession talks and Georgia’s progress in meeting the nine steps outlined by the European Commission. 

Kobakhidze reiterated Georgia’s commitment to EU membership and pledged to continue reforms in that direction, emphasizing readiness for close cooperation with EU institutions and member states.

Both the EU and the United States have cautioned Georgian authorities that passing thE foreign transparency bill could hinder the country’s progress toward EU accession. The bill mandates that NGOs register and submit financial declarations annually, with penalties of 25,000 GEL for non-compliance.

Western-funded NGOs and media outlets contend that their financial transparency and compliance are already evident, suggesting that the government’s true aim is to restrict organizations addressing human rights and corruption.

The bill has caused mass protests in Tbilisi.