Statement by The Eastern Partnership Network on Georgian “Transparency of Foreign Influence" law

On 17 April, Georgia's parliament advanced a controversial “Transparency of Foreign Influence” law in its first reading amid peaceful protests. This is the initial stage of the legislative process, with two more readings required before potential enactment. The law's resemblance to Russia’s repressive "foreign agents" legislation is evident, as it mandates that organizations receiving over 20 per cent of their funding from abroad register as “organizations carrying out in the interests of a foreign power.” Beyond mirroring Russia's tactics to suppress critical voices, this law is part of a broader trend of anti-democratic developments, including proposed constitutional amendments, legislative changes, and the removal of gender quotas in electoral lists. These changes collectively raise serious concerns about the erosion of democratic values and freedoms in Georgia.

The Eastern Partnership Network strongly condemns the re-introduction of the contentious “Transparency of Foreign Influence” law by the Georgian Dream Party. We call on the Georgian government to promptly retract this legislation and ensure an enabling environment for civil society and independent media.

Initially proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream Party in 2023, the law mandates registering organisations receiving foreign funding as foreign agents. Despite sparking widespread opposition and being abandoned in March 2023, its re-introduction, known as the "foreign agents” law, threatens democratic principles. It threatens freedom of expression, association, and media independence, and imposes burdensome reporting requirements and severe penalties, including up to five years in prison for violations. This legislation undermines Georgia's democratic advancement and EU accession aspirations and raises doubts about the government's commitment to democracy, especially given its timing before parliamentary elections.

Therefore, we:

• Urge the Georgian government to immediately withdraw the "Transparency of Foreign Influence" law and cease attacks on civil society and independent media.
• Appeal to the international community to denounce the law and provide unwavering support to Georgian civil society.
• Advocate for monitoring of political developments in Georgia, particularly before the parliamentary elections, without compromising on evaluating reform progress towards EU accession.
• Call upon civil society and international organisations to stand in solidarity with Georgian civil society and condemn any legislative attempts to undermine democratic principles.

The Eastern Partnership Network remains committed to supporting Georgian civil society in the quest for democracy and European integration.

The Eastern Partnership Network is a Swedish civil society platform aimed at strengthening collaboration with civil society in the EaP countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine).

This statement is endorsed by the following members of the Eastern Partnership Network:

• Civil Rights Defenders
• ForumCiv  
• Nordic Ukraine Forum
• The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation 
• Green Forum Sweden
• All Sweden shall live county of Stockholm
• Sveriges Belarusier
• Östgruppen
• RFSU