EU slams Georgia over transparency bill

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
15 May 2024 16:22
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The European Commission has condemned Georgia's new "foreign influence" law, which targets NGOs that receive more than 20% of their funding from foreign countries or entities.

The former chairman of Georgia's ruling party Irakli Kobakhidze speaks to journalists after a meeting in Tbilisi, Georgia, February 1, 2024 (AP)

The European Commission criticized Georgia for enacting a "foreign influence" law that targets NGOs receiving funding from abroad and for suppressing large-scale protests against it, calling on Tbilisi to reconsider.

"The adoption of this law negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path... We urge the Georgian authorities to withdraw the law," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said in a joint statement with the European Commission.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Georgian parliament passed a measure on foreign agents, which aims to limit the power of institutions, such as Western NGOs, receiving foreign funds.

According to Western media, the bill mandates the creation of a list of individuals and organizations receiving foreign funding, a move that has triggered widespread protests and concerns among the opposition. They fear it could enable the government to stifle the activities of NGOs and activists.

However, the Georgian parliament clarified that the legislation requires non-commercial legal entities and media outlets that receive over 20 percent of their funding from foreign sources to register as "pursuing the interests of a foreign power." The bill passed with support from 84 MPs in the 150-member legislature, while 30 voted against it.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated on Tuesday that violent incidents are "categorically unacceptable," referring to the ongoing protests led by NGOs and Georgians opposing the bill.

In response to a journalist's question about the assault on activist Davit Katsarava at an opposition rally, Kobakhidze acknowledged that while Katsarava had "insulted" police officers, he emphasized that "this is not an excuse. The law enforcement structures should have maximum patience."

US may review aid to Georgia if Tbilisi seen as 'adversary'

According to US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien, under a planned foreign agents statute, the United States will be compelled to assess US aid to Georgia if Tbilisi considers Washington an opponent.

O'Brien revealed that the $390 million in assistance the US is planning on spending with Georgian authorities will "be under review if we are now regarded as an adversary and not a partner."

O'Brien went on to say that if the measure passes and there is violence against "peaceful protesters," the US will consider placing financial and travel restrictions on those involved.

The White House said it expects Georgia's president to veto the law.