Georgia faces criticism from EU, NATO over controversial foreign agent law

LONDON

Georgia's adoption of the "foreign agent law," which has already sparked international concern, drew criticism Wednesday from both the European Union and NATO, urging the government to reconsider its decision.

The bill, which requires organizations in Georgia that receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as "organizations serving the interests of a foreign power," has raised alarms over its potential impact on civil society and media freedom.

The EU and NATO have voiced their disapproval of the law, urging Georgia to reconsider its decision.

EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and the European Commission in separate statements expressed their solidarity with the Georgian people.

Expressing grave concern over recent events, the EU condemned instances of intimidation, threats, and physical assaults targeting civil society representatives, political leaders, journalists, and their families, deeming such actions unacceptable.

"The adoption of this law negatively impacts Georgia's progress on the EU path," the statement said, highlighting the significant setback in the country's journey towards European integration.

The EU previously granted Georgia candidate country status on the condition that it complete nine specific steps outlined in a European Commission recommendation issued in Nov. 2023.

"The choice on the way forward is in Georgia's hands. We urge the Georgian authorities to withdraw the law, uphold their commitment to the EU path and advance the necessary reforms detailed in the 9 steps," it said.

NATO's Special Representative for South Caucasus and Central Asia Javier Colomina also echoed concerns over the bill's implications for Georgia's integration into the alliance.

Colomina emphasized the importance of respecting the right to peaceful protest and urged Georgia to reconsider its course of action.

"Recently approved Georgian legislation on so-called "foreign agents" is a step in the wrong direction & takes further away from its Euro-Atlantic integration, a key goal for Georgians that NATO supports. We urge (you) to change course & to respect the right to peaceful protest," he said on X.