New law on “transparency of foreign influence” is a very bad development for Georgia, says EU

The European Union has described as “a very bad development for Georgia and its people” the new Georgian law on “transparency of foreign influence”, adopted by the Georgian Parliament in a first reading on 7 March, despite massive protests.

The EU says the law in its current form “risks having a chilling effect” on civil society and media organisations, with negative consequences for the many Georgians benefiting from their work. 

“This law is incompatible with EU values and standards. It goes against Georgia’s stated objective of joining the European Union, as supported by a large majority of Georgian citizens. Its final adoption may have serious repercussions on our relations,” says a statement by the EU High Representative Josep Borrell.

The European Union urges Georgia to uphold its commitment to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and recalls the right of people to a peaceful protest.

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Press release