The approval of the law “on the transparency of foreign influence” negatively affects Georgia’s progress on its path to the EU, EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the European Commission said in a statement.
The approval of the law “on the transparency of foreign influence” negatively affects Georgia’s progress on its path to the EU, EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the European Commission said in a statement.
They note that the choice of way forward is in Georgia’s hands. “We urge the Georgian authorities to withdraw the law, maintain their commitment to the path to the EU and promote the necessary reforms outlined in the 9 steps” they say, stressing that the EU is ready to continue supporting Georgians working for a European future.
Intimidation, threats and physical attacks on representatives of civil society, political leaders and journalists, as well as their families are unacceptable, they say.
They note that the EU stands by the Georgian people and their choice for democracy and the European future of Georgia.
The Commission and Josep Borrell state that the European Council has granted Georgia candidate country status on the condition that the relevant 9 steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation of 8 November 2023 have been taken. These steps require the protection of human rights and free functioning of civil society, as well as the media. They also refer to the need for depolarization and combating disinformation.
However, and despite large protests and clear appeals from the international community, Georgia’s ruling majority approved the law “on the transparency of foreign influence” in the Parliament in the third reading. The EU has clearly and repeatedly stated that the spirit and content of the law are inconsistent with the EU’s core rules and values. It will undermine the work of civil society and independent media, while freedom of association and freedom of expression are fundamental rights at the core of Georgia’s commitments as part of the Association Agreement and any EU accession path.
What is the controversial new law?
It is recalled that recently Georgia has been overwhelmed by a series of protests against the new law on “foreign agents”.
This is a law, which was approved by a vote of 84 in favor to 30 against, and obliges all organizations that receive more than 20% of funding from abroad to describe themselves as “organizations that serve the interests of a foreign power”.
Source :Skai
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