Presidential statement on the Georgian law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence"

The EESC is deeply concerned about the reintroduction of the law on "Transparency of Foreign Influence" in Georgia.  This initiative targets in a discriminatory manner civil society organisations (CSOs), including employers' associations, trade unions and media. Hundreds of thousands are taking to the streets to protest against this law which they see as a means to silence NGOs and independent media. Georgia's citizens and civil society are tirelessly demonstrating their strong attachment to democracy and fundamental rights. The Government of Georgia should respond to their demands and not oppress them. Violence against demonstrators and targeted intimidation of prominent civil society activists are unacceptable.

Recently, the EESC adopted an opinion on the Commission’s Democracy Package which also contained a legislative proposal with new transparency requirements for organisations that receive financing from third countries. The EESC fully supports the transparency objectives of the proposed directive, but is very critical of the proposed means because it could stigmatise NGOs, potentially playing into the hands of governments inside and outside the EU wanting to seek to control of CSOs.

Georgian NGOs are essential to support the country‘s transition to a fully-fledged liberal democracy based on the rule of law. The EESC would like to remind the governing majority in the Georgian parliament of the obligations that are inextricably linked to the status of a EU membership candidate country and that this law is purely incompatible with the EU path.