Opposition MP warns of potential suspension of Georgia’s EU integration over Transparency Bill

Khatia Dekanoidze, an opposition MP, issued a warning on Monday, suggesting that the passage of the contentious foreign transparency bill by the ruling Georgian Dream party could jeopardize Tbilisi’s path to European Union integration.

Dekanoidze’s statement precedes a planned rally by the ruling party in Tbilisi on Monday in support of the bill, which was resubmitted in March after facing mass public protests resulting in its initial rejection last year.

The proposed legislation, currently under scrutiny in the Georgian Parliament, has ignited widespread debate. Critics argue that the bill’s requirement for organizations to register if they receive over 20 percent of their funding from foreign sources is a thinly veiled effort to stifle dissent and impede Georgia’s progress towards European integration.

“If the majority chooses to advance this bill, it could represent a significant setback for our aspirations toward European integration,” remarked Dekanoidze. 

She pointed to recent demonstrations outside the Georgian Parliament as evidence of the nation’s unwavering commitment to steer clear of aligning with Russia and accused Bidzina Ivanishvili, the GD founder and current honorary chair, of advancing Moscow’s interests.