US Ambassador: it’s important European professionals to review deoligarchisation bill before its adoption

The deoligarchisation law, which is part of the European Union’s 12-point conditions for Georgia’s membership candidate status, is “complex” and it is important European experts to review the bill before its adoption by the Georgian parliament, US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan said on Tuesday. 

“I think there was some confusion about this. The same law, which was developed by Ukraine and was forwarded to the Venice Commission, was subsequently recalled and is not awaiting a conclusion at this stage. Since this law is a new direction, quite complex, it is very important that European legal experts review it, study it and then draw conclusions. Due to its complexity. I think it will be very useful for Georgia”, said Degnan.

The EU representation to Georgia on Monday called on the Georgian parliament to request recommendations from the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe until the approval of the bill. 

The bill has already been approved by the Georgian parliament with two readings, with a single reading  still ahead. 

The bill sets criteria for labeling someone as an oligarch.