Brussels, 18 April 2024
Joint statement by leading MEPs on the reintroduction of the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” in Georgia.
“We are deeply concerned by the re-introduction of the draft law on “Transparency of Foreign Influence” by the ruling party in Georgia. This law, which passed its first reading in the Parliament yesterday, is an attack on independent media and civil society organisations. It is incompatible with EU values and democratic principles. It runs against Georgia’s ambitions for EU membership and jeopardises the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration. We call on the Georgian Government and Parliament not to disappoint the aspirations of the majority of Georgian people and to engage with the national and international partners on ensuring an enabling working environment for civil society organisations.
We are worried about the reports of riot police using force to disperse protesters demonstrating against the controversial draft law. The right to peaceful protests is a fundamental right and needs to be rigorously respected, especially in a country aspiring for the EU membership. Any indiscriminate use of force against peaceful protesters cannot be justified. We call on the Georgian leadership to ensure the protection of freedoms of expression and assembly and to avoid any escalation of violence.
We reiterate our unwavering support to Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations and remind that the relevant steps, as identified by the European Commission, still need to be implemented.”
Source – EU Parliament
Georgia: Statement by the High Representative and the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement on the adoption of the “transparency of foreign influence” law
On April 17, the Georgian Parliament passed the “transparency of foreign influence” law in its first reading, despite repeated calls by the European Union to retract such legislation, and despite the mass protests.
This is a very concerning development and the final adoption of this legislation would negatively impact Georgia’s progress on its EU path. This law is not in line with EU core norms and values.
Georgia has a vibrant civil society that contributes to the country’s successful progress towards EU membership. The proposed legislation would limit the capacity of civil society and media organisations to operate freely, could limit freedom of expression and unfairly stigmatise organisations that deliver benefits to the citizens of Georgia.
The EU urges Georgia to refrain from adopting legislation that can compromise Georgia’s EU path, a path supported by the overwhelming majority of Georgian citizens.
Source – EEAS