Democratic governance, civil society, and media freedom have been threatened by a stream of legislation over the past year. It started with the Russian-style Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence in Spring 2024, which sparked widespread protests, and is now being challenged in the European Court of Human Rights.
Subsequent laws have deepened uncertainty and anxiety about Georgian democracy among civil society organizations, independent media, and international supporters. While the government frames its actions as an attempt to boost transparency and protect sovereignty, the cumulative effect risks eroding democratic institutions and damaging Georgia’s prospects for EU integration.
Amendments to the Law on Grants, which came into force on April 16, require international donors to seek prior approval from the authorities before supporting organizations operating in Georgia. They also expand the powers of the Georgian Anti-Corruption Bureau, granting access to sensitive data and giving it investigative authority.
Organizations that receive funding without approval face significant financial penalties, potentially deterring independent civic activity. The use of the new regulations to suppress opposition became increasingly clear as representatives of the governing Georgian Dream started naming organizations “which will be restricted from receiving grants”.
Two weeks earlier, President Mikheil Kavelashvili signed the Georgian Foreign Agents Registration Act into law, which is scheduled to take effect by June. The law introduces a broad definition of “foreign agent,” extending beyond formal organizations that receive funding from abroad to include informal groups, digital media outlets, and individuals engaged in public life.
Entities caught in its net will be forced to file detailed financial and activity reports and label all their publications and communications as the work of foreign agents. Non-compliance risks fines of up to 10,000 Georgian Lari ($3,650) and/or terms of imprisonment.
Georgia is not the first country in the region to adopt such measures. Similar legislation introduced in neighboring states has led to significant disruption in civil society, limiting public discourse and reducing international cooperation.
The new laws come against a backdrop of heightened political tension and public demonstrations, which have been a continuous fixture since the disputed parliamentary elections in October. Protesters are demanding a rerun of the vote and the release of political prisoners, 49 of whom are still in jail, including Mzia Amaghlobeli, founder of the independent media outlet Batumelebi/Netgazeti.
On April 29, authorities escalated their response with raids on the homes of fundraisers who have been paying the fines handed out to protesters. Their funds had already been frozen weeks earlier under the same criminal investigation. The case alleges sabotage, collaboration with hostile foreign actors, and financing actions against Georgia’s constitutional order, a list of charges suggesting the authorities now seek to criminalize protest financing and intimidate civil society through politically driven prosecutions.
With municipal elections scheduled for October, there are growing fears the new laws will restrict the ability of civil society to contribute to the electoral process — particularly in areas such as election monitoring, civic education, and public dialogue. A healthy democratic environment relies on inclusive participation and the ability of independent actors to operate without restrictions, protesters say.
The crackdown on democracy has also drawn the attention of Georgia’s international partners. The European Union (EU), which granted Georgia candidate status in 2023, has emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, protecting fundamental freedoms, and maintaining an open civic space. Kaja Kallas, the bloc’s high representative for foreign affairs, warned the new repressive laws are undermining Georgia’s path to EU membership.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation (OSCE) echoed the EU’s concerns and warned of negative effects on media freedom and political participation.
Curbs on freedom have increased pressure on Georgia’s visa-free travel agreement with the Schengen Area — one of the most visible achievements of Tbilisi’s relationship with the EU. The European Commission says the arrangement is contingent on reform and adherence to democratic standards, and in December proposed suspending some provisions in response to the undermining of democratic principles and fundamental rights.
A decision to target holders of diplomatic passports was adopted by the EU Council in January, resulting in the suspension of visa-free travel for Georgian officials. Continued democratic backsliding could lead to further restrictions under the EU’s visa suspension mechanism.
Yet curbs on freedom have kept coming. Changes to the Broadcasting Law affect the autonomy of public media outlets, while new rules under the Law on Political Associations of Citizens limit external support for political events. Presented by the Georgian government as attempts to improve accountability and transparency, their combined effect is to narrow the space for political pluralism and public debate.
While global attention is stretched by burgeoning crises across the world, Georgia should not be ignored as its legislative decisions and institutional conduct erode the democratic path its people have long pursued.
Georgia’s future will be shaped not only by decisions made in Tbilisi but also by responses and sustained engagement from the EU, US, and beyond. Vigilance and principled dialogue are needed from Georgia’s international partners, who have supported its democratic development and Euro-Atlantic aspirations since independence in 1991.
With broad public support for European integration consistently reaffirmed by polling (most polls show 80%-plus backing for EU membership) and protests, Georgia’s people have demonstrated a clear choice for a democratic, open, and European future. Preserving this path demands a coordinated and values-based response from the international community.
At a time when democracy is being tested globally, Georgia’s case is emblematic of a much wider struggle: one between open societies and authoritarian influence. Ensuring Georgia remains anchored to the European family of nations is not just about the future of one country; it is a signal to the region and the world that democratic aspirations can prevail.
Ketevan Chachava is a democracy and civil activist from Georgia and serves as a Steering Committee member of the World Movement for Democracy. With over 18 years of civil sector experience, she held management roles in local and international NGOs, including as Director of the Information Center on NATO and EU from 2016-2017. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Communications from Kings College London.
Natia Zoidze is a human rights lawyer who focuses on issues at the intersection of democratization and social justice. With an LLM in Human Rights Law from Queen Mary University of London, she actively champions democratic values and human rights. She is Deputy Executive Director at the Center for Development and Democracy, a prominent Georgian NGO.
Europe’s Edge is CEPA’s online journal covering critical topics on the foreign policy docket across Europe and North America. All opinions expressed on Europe’s Edge are those of the author alone and may not represent those of the institutions they represent or the Center for European Policy Analysis. CEPA maintains a strict intellectual independence policy across all its projects and publications.
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