In Georgia, 136 organizations refused to register as foreign agents
In Georgia, after the adoption of the law on foreign agents, 476 foreign-funded NGOs and media outlets voluntarily submitted applications for registration within the established deadlines. 16 media organizations and 120 NGOs refused to do so. They appealed the law to the European Court of Human Rights.
In 2025, the Georgian government will allocate 20 million lari ($7.1 million) to NGOs that "serve the interests of the Georgian people." Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the launch of a grant program for non-governmental organizations that "do good work for the country" in September after the adoption of the law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence."
The law on foreign agents caused mass protests in Georgia. Many citizens considered it pro-Russian, infringing on freedom of speech, assembly and other rights.
The European Union recently announced that it may suspend the visa-free regime for "certain categories of persons" in Georgia. To prevent this from happening, the EU advises ensuring citizens' rights to freedom of assembly and expression, repealing the law on foreign agents, and taking measures to combat corruption.
