US expresses concern over Georgian Dream’s foreign transparency bill

The US has expressed apprehension regarding the recent move by the ruling party, Georgian Dream, to enact legislation aimed at enhancing transparency concerning foreign influence. 

The State Department has voiced its concern, indicating that the adoption of such a law could potentially divert Georgia from its trajectory towards European integration and could negatively impact civil society organizations striving to better the lives of Georgian citizens.

“We are deeply concerned about the bill presented to the Parliament of Georgia, fearing its potential to steer Georgia away from its European aspirations and to impede the work of civil society organizations dedicated to enhancing the welfare of Georgian citizens. We urge the government of Georgia to align its actions with the goals of the European Union,” stated US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

US Senators, Republican Jim Risch and Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, have also criticized the decision by Georgian Dream, viewing it as detrimental to Georgia’s transatlantic and European aspirations.Both the European Union and NATO have urged Georgian authorities to reconsider their intentions to adopt the legislation on foreign influence.On April 3, the majority faction of Georgian Dream reintroduced the draft legislation “On the Transparency of Foreign Influence” to the parliament for further deliberation. Notably, the revised version replaces the term “foreign influence agent” with “organization representing the interests of a foreign power.”

The proposed law mandates organizations receiving foreign funding to disclose annual financial reports, with provisions for financial penalties for non-compliance.

In 2023, the parliamentary majority of Georgian Dream encountered opposition when attempting to pass similar legislation on foreign agents. Following extensive protests in March of that year, the majority withdrew the draft law, which had initially passed its first reading. Georgian Dream asserts the necessity of enacting this legislation, citing concerns about the opacity of the civil sector, which it perceives as a significant challenge to the state’s security.

However, opposition parties have accused Georgian Dream of attempting to enact legislation akin to Russia’s laws under the guise of transparency. They allege that the ruling party is following orders from Russia and deliberately stalling Georgia’s integration into the European Union.