Law on "foreign agents" threatens Georgia's accession to the EU
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The EU Parliament criticizes the law on "foreign agents" adopted in Georgia, calling it a threat to independent media and civil society.
MPs have expressed "deep concern" over the introduction of the draft law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" by Georgia's leading party.
"This law, which passed its first reading in Parliament yesterday, is an attack on independent media and civil society organizations. It is incompatible with EU values and democratic principles. It contradicts Georgia's EU membership ambitions and jeopardizes the country's Euro-Atlantic integration," the statement reads.
The MPs called on the Georgian government and parliament to cooperate with international partners to not let down the aspirations of most Georgian people for the EU.
The MPs are also concerned about reports of the use of special forces to disperse protesters.
"The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right and must be strictly respected, especially in a country aspiring to become an EU member. Any indiscriminate use of force against peaceful protesters cannot be justified. We call on the Georgian leadership to protect freedom of speech and assembly and to avoid any escalation of violence," the MPs said.
Despite criticism from the West and civil society, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said, "Nothing will prevent the final adoption of the law."
Memorial to the fallen Moldovan soldiers of the Transnistrian War in Chisinau. Photo: Alexander Moisseenko
Thirty-three years ago, a ceasefire brought an end to the Transnistrian War—sometimes described by locals as the Russian-Moldovan War. Although the tensions officially ended in 1992, its consequences continue to shape Moldovan politics, society, and security — especially in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
Finland is moving to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the decision comes as a direct response to growing aggression from Russia.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has approved a set of controversial laws, including a “foreign agent” act aimed at NGOs and media. Critics say it mimics the U.S. FARA but is weaponized against dissent.
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