Georgia: The "Foreign Agents" Law and Its Consequences According to an Expert

Protests in Georgia

The Georgian parliament has reviewed the draft law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" in its second reading, which is similar to the Russian "foreign agents" law, sparking mass protests. Stefan Malerius from the Adenauer Foundation in Tbilisi compared the situation to the Euromaidan protests in Kyiv, noting that in both cases, the demonstrations are against Russian influence and for a pro-European course. However, he pointed out that there are no tent camps in Tbilisi, and the protests are predominantly youth-driven.

Motives of the Georgian Government

Malerius emphasizes that the Georgian government's attempts to pass the law raise many questions. The government lacks obvious internal political motives: the ruling party leads in polls, and the opposition is weak and fragmented. The draft law is causing societal division, which is particularly noticeable against the backdrop of recent national unity over the EU candidate status and successes in sports.

Among the reasons for the law's support, Malerius sees possible influence from Moscow, noting that Bidzina Ivanishvili, the presumed key decision-maker in Georgia, might be acting under pressure from the Kremlin.

The Law and Its Impact

The "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" law requires all NGOs receiving more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register. Malerius rejects the notion that the law targets Russian NGOs, pointing out that the government already controls these organizations. Instead, the law appears aimed at Western-funded NGOs, reflecting the authorities' desire to increase control over civil society.

Impact on Euro-Atlantic Prospects

The Georgian government likely faces significant pressure from Russia, forcing it to jeopardize the country's European prospects. According to Malerius, Western response is crucial, as supporting the protesters could halt further authoritarian measures by the government.

Future of Georgia

If the law is passed, the EU will closely monitor its implementation and the upcoming elections in October. Malerius warns that if the elections are not free and fair, the EU might freeze Georgia's accession process, putting it in a situation similar to Turkey. However, Europe is interested in supporting Georgia and keeping it aligned with the West, given the strategic importance of the South Caucasus.

In the coming weeks, it will become clear how the law will affect Georgia's status in its relations with the EU.