Georgia’s EU aspirations are at risk after the country’s parliament approved a “foreign agents” bill that has drawn the ire of both the Brussels and NATO.
Under the legislation, which now awaits the approval or veto of Salome Zourabichvili, the Georgian president, organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from foreign sources must undergo registration as foreign agents.
A failure to comply could result in fines of up to $9,400.
The legislation has triggered some of the biggest protests seen in Georgia since its independence in 1991 owing to fears it could lead to the suppression of civil liberties..
The legislation is also similar to laws in Russia that have been used to crush civic society and enhance autocracy.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said in a statement: “The adoption of this law negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path.”
“We urge the Georgian authorities to withdraw the law,” they added.
She also spoke about the ongoing street protests in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital. They have resulted in instances of police brutality that have added to the volatile political climate.
This political tension sets the stage for a critical showdown in the upcoming parliamentary election slated for October.
A failure to comply could result in fines of up to $9,400.
The legislation has triggered some of the biggest protests seen in Georgia since its independence in 1991 owing to fears it could lead to the suppression of civil liberties..
The legislation is also similar to laws in Russia that have been used to crush civic society and enhance autocracy.
Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, and Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said in a statement: “The adoption of this law negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path.”
“We urge the Georgian authorities to withdraw the law,” they added.
Parallelly, NATO’s spokesperson, Farah Dakhlallah, criticized the law, echoing the EU’s sentiments about its potential to distance Georgia from Euro-Atlantic integration.The adoption of the law negatively impacts the country's progress on EU path.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) May 15, 2024
Freedom of association and freedom of expression are fundamental rights at the core of Georgia’s EU commitments.
We urge the Georgian authorities to withdraw the law.
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She also spoke about the ongoing street protests in Tbilisi, the Georgian capital. They have resulted in instances of police brutality that have added to the volatile political climate.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has promised to veto the legislation, but the ruling coalition, Georgian Dream, will likely override it.The Georgian government’s decision to pass legislation on so-called “foreign agents” is a step in the wrong direction and takes Georgia 🇬🇪 further away from European and Euro-Atlantic integration. We urge #Georgia to change course and to respect the right to peaceful protest.
— NATO Spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah (@NATOpress) May 15, 2024
This political tension sets the stage for a critical showdown in the upcoming parliamentary election slated for October.
Source: PAP, Reuters
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