EU imposes penalties on Georgia over disputed legislation
Despite the ongoing mass protests and the President's veto, Georgia went ahead and implemented a contentious law aimed at limiting "foreign influence" towards the beginning of the month. This move has faced severe criticism from the EU. The political action has led to potential repercussions for the country.
The EU membership aspirant country Georgia should brace themselves for repercussions following the full implementation of a law that tightens control over civic societies. EU High Representative Josep Borrell stated after a meeting with foreign ministers in Luxembourg that political interactions would be reduced and government funding could be suspended. Additionally, support for the defense sector through the European Peace Facility (EPF) might face challenges.
Borrell reiterated that consensus among EU states was not essential for the reduction of financial aid. This is significant since the Hungarian government finds the Georgian law acceptable and opposes sanctions. Borrell asserted that 26 out of 27 EU states concur that the law and subsequent unfavorable developments are driving Georgia away from the EU. If the government persists on the questioned path, there will be no advancement towards the EU.
Previously, Borrell had warned Georgia about freezing the accession process. If the Georgian government continues on the controversial path, the path to EU membership will close, Borrell stated during the Foreign Ministers meeting. "The Georgian population will bear the consequences and suffer," he reiterated.
The Georgian parliament enacted the stricter control of civic society law in May, disregarding a veto from the pro-European President Salome Zurabishvili. The ruling party Georgian Dream, holding a majority in parliament, will enhance the accountability of NGOs and media that obtain more than 20% of their funds from foreign sources. They justify this by focusing on increased transparency.
Ten thousand gather in protest of the law
The EU perceives it as a gag for government-critical media and organizations, with a Russian law against "foreign agents" serving as inspiration. Borrell assured that the EU will support the civil societies and media in Georgia even more diligently in light of these developments. Any spreading of false information will be swiftly combated.
Georgia has been an official EU membership candidate since December. EU membership is enshrined in the country's constitution and enjoys support from over 80% of the population, according to polls. In opposition to the law on "foreign influence," tens of thousands have taken to the streets during the past months.
The law stipulates that organizations and media that receive at least 20% of their funding from abroad must register in Georgia as entities that represent foreign powers' interests. Stricter regulations will also apply to them.
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- The demonstrations in Tbilisi, led by Georgian civilians, are a direct response to the controversial law implemented by Parliament, which has drawn criticism from both the EU and Russia.
- Amidst these tensions, Russia could potentially use this law as an argument to further strain relations between Georgia and the EU, as it already sees the law as reminiscent of its own "foreign agent" legislation.
- Despite Russia's support, Georgia's EU membership aspirations continue to face significant challenges, with potential funding cuts and political interactions reduction being possible consequences of the law's implementation.
